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Representative democracy in Singapore

Singapore has a multi-party parliamentary system of representative democracy in which the President of Singapore is the head of state and the Prime Minister of Singapore is the head of government. Executive power is vested in the President and the Cabinet. Cabinet has the general direction and control of the government and is collectively responsible to the Parliament. There are three separate branches of government: the legislature, executive and judiciary.

Representative democracy began in the 1940s when the number of elected seats in the legislature gradually increased, until a fully elected Legislative Assembly of Singapore was established in 1958. At present, Singapore legislation establishes various mechanisms that fulfil the doctrine of representative democracy. Parliamentary elections in Singapore are required to be held regularly to elect the Parliament by universal suffrage. Although the right to vote in Singapore law is not expressly mentioned in the Constitution, the Government has affirmed that the right is implied by the constitutional text.

The Constitution vests the three branches of the state with different aspects of governmental power. The executive is made up of the President and the Cabinet, which is headed by the Prime Minister. The Cabinet is accountable to the electorate and is an embodiment of representative democracy. The President is elected by the people to act as a constitutional safeguard in protecting the national reserves and preserving the integrity of the public service. To qualify as a presidential candidate, stringent criteria must be satisfied.

The Constitution further provides for the composition of a parliament which encompasses members of parliament (MPs) elected through Single Member Constituencies and Group Representation Constituencies, Non-constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) and Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs). MPs are representatives of the electorate and have the role of raising concerns that the people may have. The Government's view is that representative democracy is better understood as regarding political parties rather than individual MPs as the fundamental element in the political system. While the judiciary is not a direct manifestation of the concept of representative democracy, it serves as a check on the Government and the legislature by ensuring that their powers are exercised within the limits established by the Constitution, such as the fundamental liberties in Part IV.

The democratic right of Singaporeans to change their government through free and fair elections has not been tested as of yet. From its independence, the governing People's Action Party (PAP) has won every election with varying amounts of support ranging from 60–70% of the popular vote under the first-past-the-post voting system (FPTP). Nevertheless, U.S.-based Freedom House has said that elections in Singapore are free from voter suppression and electoral fraud.[1]

The right to freedom of speech and expression, which is guaranteed to Singapore citizens by Article 14 of the Constitution of Singapore, is essential to the concept of representative democracy. Mechanisms available for the exercise of the right include the freedom of speech and debate in Parliament, Speakers' Corner, and the new media. However, Article 14 enables Parliament to restrict the right to free speech on various grounds. One of these is the protection of reputation. Critics have charged that Cabinet ministers and members of the ruling People's Action Party have used civil defamation suits against opposition politicians to inhibit their activities and exclude them from Parliament. The Government has said that there is no evidence substantiating such claims. In addition, both media ownership and content are carefully regulated by the Government. Article 14 protects the right to freedom of assembly which is relevant to free speech as the latter is often exercised at assemblies and gatherings. Free assembly is restricted in Singapore through laws that require permits to be obtained before events are held, though an exception is made for indoor events involving organisers and speakers who are citizens.

The Government has been accused of slowing down the progress of democracy by using the Internal Security Act (Cap. 143, 1985 Rev. Ed.) (ISA) to detain political opponents and suppress political criticism. In response, the Government has asserted that no person has been detained purely for their political beliefs.

Government's understanding of representative democracy edit

 
An engraving of British MP and philosopher Edmund Burke (1729–1797) from Album du centenaire (1889). Burke's views on representative democracy were referred to by NMP Thio Li-ann in Parliament in 2008.

Representative democracy has been described as "a system of government where the people in free elections elect[ ] their representatives to the legislative chamber which occupies the most powerful position in the political system".[2] The meaning of the term was discussed in the Parliament of Singapore on 27 August 2008 upon a motion moved by Nominated Member of Parliament Thio Li-ann, a professor of constitutional law at the National University of Singapore Faculty of Law, for the House to affirm the importance of representative democracy and to call on the Government to amend the Parliamentary Elections Act[3] to make the calling of by-elections mandatory in Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) in certain situations. According to Thio, under the view of representative democracy taken by the 18th-century British Member of Parliament (MP) and philosopher Edmund Burke, "an MP is no mere delegate who simply mouths his constituents' views. An MP is chosen for his 'mature judgement' and 'enlightened conscience.'" Thus, an MP "has to represent his constituents in tending to municipal affairs", but also "be concerned with national affairs", and, "as a party member, he must toe the party line". In addition, an MP of a minority ethnic group in a GRC "has to carry the concerns of his particular minority community as well". For this reason, she felt that if the seat of a minority MP in a GRC became vacant, it should be incumbent on the Government to call a by-election to fill it.[4]

Opposing the motion, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong noted that the Burkean model of representative democracy "puts the emphasis on choosing candidates to become MPs as the fundamental element of the whole scheme", with the result that "if an MP dies or resigns, ... he has to be replaced, so a by-election has to be held promptly without delay". However, in the Government's view, representative democracy is better understood as having an "emphasis on choosing political parties to form the government and to have political parties as the fundamental element in the system":[5]

Parties will field candidates to contest in general elections. They have to be high quality people – with integrity, ability, commitment, drive – all the attributes which we look for in an ideal candidate. But the candidate is not on his own. He carries the banner of the party. ... [H]e identifies himself for the party's manifesto, the programmes and the promises that the party makes. ... In this scheme, if voters in the general election support the party and vote its candidates in, and they form a majority in Parliament, then that party with a majority in Parliament forms the government. And that party has a mandate, not only because it so happens that this specific group of MPs, at this moment, supports it, but because it stood in a general election and the voters gave it the mandate, and indirectly, through the MP, voted for this party to form the government of the country, and to govern the country until the next general elections are called. Therefore, the emphasis in this system is on the ruling Party delivering on its programmes and promises.[5]

Consequently, if a parliamentary seat falls vacant mid-term, it does not have to be filled immediately as "[t]he vacancy does not affect the mandate of the Government, nor its ability to deliver on its programmes or promises. And this mandate continues until the next general election is called, when the incumbent team will render account to the electorate." The Prime Minister said that the Singapore system of government was based on this model for two reasons: first, to "encourage voters to think very carefully when they are voting during general elections, because you are not only voting for your representative in the constituency, you are voting for the government in the country"; and, secondly, "to maximise the chances of a stable, effective government in between general elections".[5]

History edit

Singapore was colonised by the British in the 19th century, during which society was ruled according to English law. The result was the transplantation of the Western idea of representative democracy into Singapore's legal system. This idea has taken root and developed tremendously since the end of World War II into what it is today.

Before World War II edit

 
The royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom on a pediment of the National Museum of Singapore. Singapore was subject to British rule between 1819 and 1963, and did not begin having elected members in its legislature until 1948.

After Singapore was founded in 1819, she was under the jurisdiction of British rule.[6] For a long time, representative democracy was non-existent.[7] In 1920, a select committee which was established to reform the Legislative Council argued that Singapore was not ready for democratic ideas – to allow people to elect members into the Legislative Council might result in giving the "professional politician the opportunity of obtaining power by playing on religious and social prejudices".[8] Even though the Council lacked popular representation of the locals, the population was generally satisfied with the system and the policies of the Governor of the Straits Settlements were influenced by opinions expressed by the public and in the press.[9]

After World War II edit

It was only in 1946, after the Japanese Occupation[10] and the disbanding of the Straits Settlements,[11] that the people were allowed to elect members into the Legislative Council. The Council then consisted of at least 22 but not more than 24 members. Only nine members were elected, out of which the Singapore Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Indian Chamber of Commerce were each allotted one seat.[12] The other six seats were to be filled by democratic elections based on universal suffrage.[13] Elections were held for the first time on 20 March 1948.[14]

Even so, the general public was apathetic towards the new political situation and the British regarded this as the major impediment to the development of democratic government in Singapore.[15] Thus, a constitutional commission headed by Sir George Rendel was set up in 1953 to recommend changes in the constitutional system, with the aim of increasing widespread participation in the central and local government of Singapore.[16]

The Government accepted most of the Rendel Commission's recommendations in its report of February 1954. One suggested reform was to transform the Legislative Council into an Assembly of 32 members, of whom 25 would be elected. The "Leader of the House" or "Chief Minister" would be the leader of the largest political party in the Assembly or of a coalition of parties assured of majority support. Representation by the Chambers of Commerce was also removed.[17]

The amended Constitution of Singapore also provided for a Council of Ministers appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Chief Minister, consisting of three unelected Official Members and six Elected Members. As the Constitution was unclear on the powers of the ministers, the discretion to make crucial decisions and formulate policies was understood to reside in the Governor and the Official Members.[18]

Self-governance, merger with Malaysia, and independence edit

A fully elected Legislative Assembly was finally established in 1958, when Singapore relinquished its colonial status to become a self-governing state.[19] Its powers extended to areas not previously under its purview, such as defence and foreign policy. This situation remained throughout merger with Malaysia in 1963, and after separation from Malaysia and full independence in 1965.[20] In the Proclamation of Singapore contained in the Independence of Singapore Agreement 1965[21] entered into between Malaysia and Singapore, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew proclaimed on behalf of the people and Government of Singapore that as from 9 August 1965 Singapore "shall be forever a sovereign democratic and independent nation, founded upon the principles of liberty and justice and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of her people in a more just and equal society".

After independence, the Parliament of Singapore remained fully elected until 1984, when amendments to the Constitution and the Parliamentary Elections Act were passed to provide for Non-constituency Members of Parliament ("NCMPs").[22] NCMPs, who are declared elected by the returning officer, consist of the best performing losers in general elections based on the percentage of votes cast. The scheme ensures that opposition representation is accounted for in the Parliament.[23] In 1990, yet another type of unelected Member was introduced – the Nominated Member of Parliament ("NMP").[24] These non-partisan Members were brought in to provide alternate views on policies that differed from the opinions espoused by the political parties represented in Parliament.[25]

Voting edit

Role in a representative democracy edit

Voting is regarded as key to representative democracy, which requires that the leaders of a country are elected by the people. The basis of this concept is that everyone should be treated equally and everyone has equal rights. Every person, therefore, has a right to one vote, and no more, in the choice of representatives.[26] The right to vote is a primary right, a right of fundamental importance by which other rights are protected. It is one of the important bulwarks of a representative democracy and in this regard, the ballot box is the people's ultimate mechanism to control the shaping of government policies.[27] However, it must be recognised that voting is not an infallible litmus test for democracy; rather, it functions as a procedural device that is normally regarded as the best instrument for securing the ideal of self-governance.[28]

Right to vote edit

 
Sample ballot papers used in Singapore general elections in Single Member Constituencies (top) and Group Representation Constituencies

The right to vote in Singapore is an implied constitutional right arising from various provisions in the Constitution.[29][30] These include Articles 65 and 66, which provide for a maximum term of five years for each Parliament and for a general election to be held within three months after Parliament is dissolved. In a parliamentary debate in 2009, NMP Thio Li-ann suggested that the Government should amend the Constitution to expressly include a right to vote. She said:[31]

A right of fundamental importance should be recognised as a fundamental right and constitutionally entrenched. Only the most important rights and interests are constitutionalised ... The right to vote is not an ancillary or new-fangled right; it is fundamental and long-established.

Thio noted that in 1966 the Wee Chong Jin Constitutional Commission[32] had considered it "necessary and wise" to constitutionally entrench the right to vote by making it removable only by a majority of two-thirds of the electorate voting at a national referendum. In addition, she cited the case of Taw Cheng Kong v. Public Prosecutor (1988),[33] where the High Court had made a statement which seemed to indicate that the right to vote is a privilege rather than a right.[34]

In reply, Minister for Law K. Shanmugam affirmed that the right to vote is indeed a constitutional right. He noted that it cannot be a privilege in a representative democracy since that would imply that there exists an institution superior to the body of citizens which can grant such a privilege. He also asserted that, ultimately, "it is the mettle of the people and its leadership" that determine whether the Constitution is abided by as the supreme law of the land.[35]

In response to Thio's point on the views of the Wee Chong Jin Constitutional Commission, Shanmugam said that at the time the report was rendered the electorate was immature and unfamiliar with the importance of voting, a result of the country's history of colonial rule. In contrast, the high voter turnout rates in every election since then evidenced that Singaporeans have realised this point. With regard to the Taw Cheng Kong case, Shanmugam stated that since the Court's observations were obiter, they were unlikely to be treated as setting a precedent.[36]

First-past-the-post system edit

The "first-past-the-post" voting system, also known as the simple plurality voting system, is used in Singapore for electing the President as well as Members of the Parliament. This system has been criticised as undemocratic because the eventual winner may have won only a minority of the total votes cast, despite having secured the most votes in absolute terms among all the candidates.[37] Thus, there might be cases where an elected politician can be said to have won the mandate of only a minority of voters, and that his or her election is therefore not an accurate reflection of the voters' will. As constitutional lawyer Sir William Wade has said: "If it is accepted that a democratic Parliament ought to represent so far as possible the preferences of the voters, this system is probably the worst that could be devised."[38]

In the 2006 general election, despite only achieving 66.6% of the total votes cast, the ruling People's Action Party ("PAP") was returned to power with 82 out of the 84 seats.[39] While there were more opposition members elected to the Parliament in the 2011 general election, PAP held on to 81 of 87 seats in the Parliament despite securing only 60.1% of the votes.[40] Also, during the 2011 presidential election, President Tony Tan Keng Yam won with only 35.2% of the total votes.[41]

Eligibility to vote edit

Voting in Singapore is compulsory.[42] Any citizen above 21 years of age who is not disqualified by the factors in section 6 of the Parliamentary Elections Act[3] is required to vote in person.[43] There is no constitutional provision stipulating any qualifications for voters, and as the Act is an ordinary piece of legislation the disqualifying factors may be changed by a simple majority (more than 50%) of votes in Parliament.[44]

To be eligible to vote at a contested election in any constituency, a voter's name must be on the latest certified register of electors for that constituency.[45] The name of the voter will be included in the register of electors for a constituency if on the cut-off date for the production of the register of electors the voter is a citizen of Singapore, at least 21 years old, and ordinarily resident or deemed to be ordinarily resident in Singapore at an address that is in that constituency. For the purpose of preparing or revising a register of electors, information stated on a voter's National Registration Identity Card is used to determine that he or she complies with the above requirements, unless the facts are shown to be otherwise.[46]

Democratic institutions edit

Legislature edit

 
Parliament House, Singapore

The Legislature of Singapore consists of the President and the Parliament.[47] The concept of representative democracy is embodied in the Legislature and is given effect in part through various parliamentary innovations that have been introduced over the years, such as Group Representation Constituencies,[48] Non-constituency Members of Parliament[49] and Nominated Members of Parliament.[50]

Constituencies edit

There are two types of constituencies (electoral divisions) in Singapore: Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) and Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs). In SMCs candidates vie individually for parliamentary seats, whereas in GRCs the contest is between teams of candidates. Under the GRC scheme, which came into effect on 1 June 1988, the Government may, having regard to the number of voters in a particular constituency, advise the President to declare it to be a GRC and designate it as a constituency in which at least one of the candidates is from the Malay community, or from the Indian or some other minority community in Singapore. Each team in a GRC may have between three and six candidates.[51]

The GRC scheme seeks to ensure a multiracial Parliament and seeks to secure "the long-term political stability of Singapore ... by ensuring that Parliament will always be multi-racial and representative of our society, and ... by encouraging the practice of multi-racial politics by all political parties".[52] It also encourages political parties to appeal to all races with moderate policies, and not to one race or another with chauvinist or extremist policies. Further, it has been suggested that the scheme puts a "premium on parties which can field credible teams", thereby demonstrating that they are "fit not just to become MPs but to form the government".[53]

 
Election rallies were held by the various political parties in the run-up to the 2011 general election. Here, the Singapore Democratic Party, which contested in two GRCs, is holding their party rally.

The GRC scheme has been criticised as weakening the candidate–voter relationship, because it may be more difficult for voters to feel that candidates actually represent them when there are a number of candidates in a team to vote for. Most voters elect MPs whom they can identify with and are better able to represent their interests. It would be much easier for voters to identify with a single candidate than with a team of, say, four individuals.[54] Also, since there will be key vote pullers in every GRC, the unknown or unpopular candidate is "dragged into Parliament on the coat-tails of the major vote-puller".[55] This alienates the electorate from its representatives, thereby undermining the idea of representation. Since the people "cannot clearly identify themselves with the candidates ... responsibility for choices cannot be ascribed to the people".[56]

In addition, it has been suggested that the GRC scheme merely provides an appearance of a united, multiracial Parliament. In fact, minority representatives are required to vote according to their party line; they are not allowed to vote specifically in the interests of their racial groups. The multiracial element in Parliament has been artificially imposed by way of a racial quota to ensure that the minorities are represented.[57]

Non-constituency Members of Parliament edit

The NCMP Scheme was introduced in 1984 to ensure the presence of Opposition Members in Parliament.[58][59] The NCMP Scheme serves to ensure that the voices of the minority are still heard.[60] Thus, to qualify as an NCMP, the candidate must have won at least 15% of the total number of votes.[61] The powers of an NCMP are restricted in Art 39(2) of the Constitution: an NCMP cannot vote on a bill to amend the Constitution; a supply, supplementary supply or final supply bill; a money bill; a vote of no confidence in the Government; or a motion for removing the President from office.[62]

Despite the aim of the NCMP scheme to ameliorate the impacts of the first-past-the-post system, its legitimacy is highly doubted. It is based neither on a clear electoral mandate like ordinary MPs, nor on expertise or specialisation (as in the case of NMPs). As a result, the privileges of NCMPs are severely curtailed and this limits their effectiveness as alternative voices in Parliament.[60]

Further, critics question the exact purpose of the scheme. It is unclear as to whether NCMPs serve to represent the minority in the first-past-the post system, or is an apparent representation that would not affect PAP's decision-making. Nevertheless, it still seems to be a mechanism for representation of the minority opposition.[63]

Nominated Members of Parliament edit

 
Author and law professor Simon Tay served as a NMP from 1997 to 2001

The NMP scheme was introduced in 1990 and serves to introduce into Parliament alternative, independent and non-partisan views from minorities and experts. This is said to effectively raises the level of political discourse.[64] Women, for example, who are usually under-represented in parliament, may be appointed as an NMP to provide alternate views.[65] A special select committee of Parliament nominates candidates to be appointed as NMPs by the President on the advice of the Cabinet. In 2010, the number of NMPs was increased from six to nine.[66] NMPs share the same powers and privileges as NCMPs.[67]

The NMP scheme was not introduced without controversy, which may lead one to question the effectiveness of the scheme in strengthening representative democracy. Despite the protests of many PAP MPs, the party whip was enforced to effect the passing of this scheme. Criticism of the scheme mainly revolved around the dilution of the democratic legitimacy of the Parliament since the electorate has no say in choosing the NMP based on his or her merits.[68] Further, there may be doubts as to the NMP's commitment and willingness to serve as an MP, since the NMP bypasses the electoral process.[69] The scheme has also given rise to allegations that it serves as another platform for the PAP to undercut support for the opposition.[70]

On the other hand, NMP Paulin Tay Straughan has argued that NMPs, being non-partisan, do not replace either PAP or opposition MPs. During general elections, Singaporeans still continue to elect MPs who best represent their interests, and NMPs do not feature in the equation. In other words, the NMP scheme has never compromised the democratic process of free elections.[64]

By-elections edit

A by-election is an election held in between general elections to fill a vacant parliamentary seat. Article 49 of the Constitution states that a vacancy not due to a dissolution of Parliament "shall be filled by election in the manner provided by or under any law relating to the Parliamentary elections". However, when a vacancy arises in a GRC, no election needs to be held unless all the MPs have vacated their seats.[71] The Prime Minister has full discretion with regards to the timing of the by-election and he is not obliged to call a by-election within any fixed timeline.[72]

Whether a time frame should be imposed for the calling of by-elections has been subject to much debate. Several arguments have been advanced by the Government. First, when a voter casts a vote for a candidate, he is also voting for the political party that the candidate is a member of. Thus, once the party has received the voter's mandate, a vacant seat will not affect this mandate. Requiring the other members in a GRC to vacate their seats so that a by-election can be called would be unfair to them. Secondly, the Government believes that a GRC can function if it is lacking a member, as MPs from other constituencies can help to address the needs of residents in that GRC.[5]

However, Thio Li-ann believes that it is undesirable that the law does not impose a time frame for the calling of by-elections. If a by-election is not called promptly upon a parliamentary seat falling vacant, the electors in the GRC in question will be represented to a lesser extent. This is particularly pertinent where more than one MP vacates his or her seat or when the seat vacated is that of a minority candidate. Should the latter situation arise, the rationale behind the GRC scheme – to guarantee minority representation in Parliament – would be defeated.[4]

In an SMC, only one candidate is elected to represent the constituency in question. Thus, if an SMC parliamentary seat is vacated and the Prime Minister exercises discretion not to call a by-election in the SMC, the constituency's residents will not only lack a representative in Parliament but will also be without a Town Council chairman.[4]

Finally, where an MP of the ruling party vacates his or her seat, a counterpart in a neighbouring ward may take over his or her functions, thus eliminating the need for a by-election. However, this arrangement may not work if an opposition MP vacates his or her seat and no by-election is called, because of the dearth of opposition MPs in Parliament. Therefore, the voters in the opposition ward will be denied of representation until the next general election.[4]

Elected President edit

Singapore's Elected Presidency scheme was created as a constitutional safeguard for the nation's future to prevent irresponsible governance. Being directly elected by the people gives the President legitimacy and moral authority to serve as a check on the executive's powers. The President's two main responsibilities are the protection of Singapore's past reserves and the preservation of the integrity of the public service.[73] However, the President's role is custodial and ceremonial – he does not exercise executive powers. In fact, the President is generally required to act in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet, or of a Minister acting under the general authority of the Cabinet, in the exercise of his functions under the Constitution or any other written law, unless the contrary is expressly provided for.[74]

Stringent eligibility requirements and the Presidential Elections Committee's role edit

Thio Li-ann has said that the democratic character of the process for electing the President may be hampered by the application of stringent, elitist criteria, such that it becomes a "clear obstacle to the unmediated expression of the citizens' preferences".[75]

Imposing more stringent criteria for the President than for the Prime Minister appears unreasonable, considering how the Prime Minister's governing powers are far more substantial than that of the President.[76] Among other things, candidates have to be above 45 years of age and must either presently hold or in the past have held high public office or directorships in private sector companies with paid-up capitals of at least S$100 million.[77] It has been estimated that "only just over 400 people have the necessary financial or administrative experience to qualify as spelt out in the constitution".[78] These onerous qualifying criteria have greatly reduced the pool of candidates, and have been criticised as "technocratic rather than democratic".[76]

 
Campaign poster of Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam, who won the presidential elections in 2011

In response to the criticisms, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong argued that the qualification process is necessary and was "carefully designed to ensure that the electorate is presented with qualified candidates".[79] The Prime Minister asserted it would be "reckless"[80] to adopt less stringent criteria, though such criteria can be "refined further over time".[81]

Potential presidential candidates are vetted by an unelected three-member Presidential Elections Committee ("PEC"). The PEC is not constitutionally obliged to give reasons behind its decisions to award or deny a certificate of eligibility. Its decision is not subject to legal or political scrutiny, and its verdict is final. There has been criticism of how Andrew Kuan, who applied to be a candidate in the 2005 presidential election, was denied a certificate of eligibility. Before the PEC could reach a decision on the matter, he was reportedly discredited though statements from various people which were published in the media that alleged incompetence and cast doubt on his character. Subsequently, Kuan was denied a certificate, the PEC stating that his seniority and responsibility as the Jurong Town Corporation's Group Chief Financial Officer were not comparable to the experience of a chairman or chief executive officer of a statutory board or a company with a paid-up capital of at least $100 million, as required by the Constitution. There is no legal requirement for the PEC to interview prospective candidates, and it did not do so to allow Kuan to explain his side of the story. As a result, the unopposed incumbent S.R. Nathan was declared the President for a second term.[82]

Possible reforms might be for prospective candidates to have the right to publicly respond to negative accusations before the PEC, and for the PEC to be more transparent with regard to the reasons for their decisions concerning the eligibility of candidates. A more democratised process open to public scrutiny would give citizens a role to play, thus enhancing the notion of representative democracy.[83]

Uncontested elections edit

After Ong Teng Cheong, the first Elected President, had stepped down, the subsequent presidential elections in 1999 and 2005 were uncontested, and S.R. Nathan was deemed to have been elected unopposed for two consecutive terms. Thio has commented:[84]

The right to vote in competitive elections is integral to a functioning democracy and its underlying principles of representation, participation, and legitimacy. Unfortunately, the phenomenon of election by default, a regular feature of Singapore's parliamentary and presidential elections, only harms the practice of democracy.

She has suggested that to ensure that the institution of the Elected President continues to be legitimate, even if there is only one candidate in an election a vote should be held, and the candidate only declared elected if he or she receives at least a specified percentage of votes.[84]

Prime Minister and the Cabinet edit

 
Lee Hsien Loong, the Prime Minister of Singapore since 2004

Singapore's Prime Minister is the Head of the Government of Singapore. The President appoints as Prime Minister an MP who, in his or her judgement, is likely to command the confidence of a majority of the MPs.[85] This is a power that the President exercises in his or her personal discretion.[86] The President then acts in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister to appoint other Ministers from among the Members of Parliament. These Ministers, together with the Prime Minister, form the Cabinet.[85] The Cabinet has the general direction and control of the Government and is collectively responsible to Parliament.[87]

This scheme can be seen as a mechanism for representation. First, MPs are chosen by the electorate to represent their concerns and needs in Parliament. Secondly, the Prime Minister, who is vested with the confidence of majority of the MPs, and the Cabinet which is made up of popularly elected MPs, effectively represent the views of the electorate as he heads the Government. The structure of the executive is therefore based on the concept of political representation.

Role of the judiciary edit

Appointment and independence of judges edit

Article 93 of the Constitution vests judicial power in the judiciary. Rather than being elected, the Chief Justice, Judges of Appeal, and the judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President if he, acting in his discretion, concurs with the advice of the Prime Minister.[88] In the Subordinate Courts, district judges and magistrates are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Chief Justice.[89] The idea of the rule of the majority means that people should only be governed by laws passed by their elected representatives. Thus, unelected judges influencing the laws that govern people through the making of decisions seems incompatible with the idea of representative democracy.[90] It has also been said that a judicial "last word" would put the judiciary at odds with Parliament, as the judiciary is not directly accountable to the people. However, even though the appointment of judges is counter-majoritarian in nature, this does not mean that the concept of representative democracy is undermined, as it appears that a counter-majoritarian judiciary more effectively upholds the Constitution and the concept of representative democracy.[91]

 
The Supreme Court Building houses the High Court and the Court of Appeal. The liberal use of glass in its architecture and the open layout of the building are said to signify the ideal of transparency in the law, an important function of the courts in a representative democracy, while the disc-shaped structure represents the impartiality of justice.[92]

Because of this vital responsibility that the judiciary has, it is important that the judiciary is independent of the political branches of government. As Alexander Hamilton put it: "The complete independence of the courts of justice is peculiarly essential in a limited constitution".[93] Singapore's judiciary, however, has been criticised as lacking independence and impartiality.[94]

According to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, the criticisms involving judicial bias "could have stemmed from the very high number of cases won by the government or members of the ruling party in either contempt or defamation suits brought against government critics, whether media or individual".[95] The Government is alleged to have used the judiciary as a tool to deluge their political opponents like J.B. Jeyaretnam, Tang Liang Hong and Dr. Chee Soon Juan[96] with litigation, in some cases causing bankruptcy and, eventually, removal from the political scene.[97] In a 2008 report, the International Bar Association Human Rights Institute ("IBAHRI") claimed that the "slim likelihood" of a successful defence to defamation, combined with high damages awarded in cases involving PAP officials, "sheds doubt on the independence of the judiciary in these cases".[98]

Allegations of this nature have previously been denied in parliamentary debates,[99] and the Ministry of Law has said the IBAHRI's allegation that there are reasons to worry about the executive's influence over judicial decision-making is not supported by evidence.[100] In 2000, Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew noted that "[o]ur judiciary and the rule of law are rated by WEF [World Economic Forum], IMD [International Institute for Management Development] and PERC [Political and Economic Risk Consultancy] as the best in Asia".[101]

Upholding the Constitution edit

The Constitution embodies the idea of representative democracy, as it provides for alternative voices and minority representation in Parliament through the GRC, NCMP and NMP schemes. The Chief Justice of Canada, Beverley McLachlin, has commented that democracy itself is a lot more complicated than elected persons making law. Democracy not only requires majority rule, but rule that protects individuals and groups of individuals whilst promoting fairness.[102] As Martin Taylor puts it:[103]

As our understanding of the nature of modern democratic government improves, it becomes increasingly apparent that majority rule, while an essential ingredient of the system, can operate in ways which are as undemocratic as the rule of the minority – that democracy has to do not only with who exercises the power of the state, by and for the people, but also with the manner in which the state treats those who seek its assistance, or are obliged to submit to its authority, and with what the state allows people to decide and do of, by and for themselves.

"Majority rule" must be subject to limits, as an elected government may still pass or be tempted to pass unconstitutional and undemocratic laws, such as laws affecting fundamental liberties guaranteed by constitutions.[104]

The Singapore Constitution provides safeguards against such behaviour by the majority, and prescribes limits to their powers in the form of, among other things, the fundamental liberties in Part IV of the document. The courts have asserted that the judiciary thus has the power and duty to ensure the observance of constitutional provisions, and is also responsible for declaring invalid any exercise of legislative power exceeding the limits conferred by the Constitution, or contravening any prohibition that the Constitution provides.[105] Supreme Court judges take an oath to defend and protect the Constitution before assuming office.[106] This is done through judicial review, where the judiciary prevents the Parliament from enforcing unconstitutional laws by striking down such laws. Thus, the judiciary essentially upholds the idea of representative democracy that the Constitution embodies when playing its counter-majoritarian role of serving as a check on Parliament and a "Protector of the Individual".[107]

Purposive interpretation of statutes edit

A key idea of democracy is that "people may consent to be governed by laws made by ... democratically elected representatives".[104] Judges are required to interpret statutes in a manner that gives "effect to the intent and will of Parliament".[108] By interpreting statutes according to Parliament's intention, the judiciary upholds the notion of representative democracy as it makes sure that the people are ruled accurately by the laws made by their elected leaders. Thus, the role of judges in interpretation is essential to democracy.[109]

Judges are required to interpret laws in the light of section 9A(1) of the Interpretation Act,[110] which requires an interpretation that would "promote the purpose or object" underlying written law is to be "preferred" over an interpretation that would not, thus mandating a purposive interpretation. The Interpretation Act provides for the types of extrinsic materials and the circumstances under which such extrinsic materials can be referred to, to aid judges in determining the purpose of the statute.[111] Thus, when determining the purpose of a statutory provision, a judge can refer to relevant extrinsic materials such as the explanatory statement relating to the bill in which the provision appears and the speech made in Parliament by a minister moving a motion for the second reading of the bill, when circumstances call for it.[112]

The view has been taken that judges may assign meaning to vague constitutional provisions or statutes on the basis of their own ideological preferences, hence disregarding Parliament's intention.[113] This criticism arguably does not suggest the need to abandon interpretation by reference to the legislature's intention, but serves to highlight the importance of the need to use the power of interpretation in an appropriate manner.[114]

Freedom of speech and expression edit

Democracy essentially means rule of the people. To build a democratic society and rule, there must be citizen participation by an informed electorate. The freedom to speak and express is thus crucial for the formation of public opinion on political questions, and is indispensable to the discovery and spread of political truth.[115] In Singapore, the right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed to citizens by Article 14(1)(a) of the Constitution, though it is subject to many qualifications. Parliament may by law impose restrictions on the right as it considers necessary or expedient in the interest of the security of Singapore, friendly relations with other countries, public order or morality, and restrictions designed to protect the privileges of Parliament or to provide against contempt of court, defamation or incitement to any offence.[116]

Role in a representative democracy edit

Upholding the concept of representative democracy requires the protection of freedom of expression. This paves the way for discussion of the state of affairs in the country, as expressed by representatives of the people, which include members of the ruling party elected into government as well as opposition politicians. Free discourse about political ideas and government plans can facilitate the acknowledgement of current weaknesses or limitations. This is justified in the name of public interest as the legislature, administration and governmental institutions will then strive to make improvements.[115]

Restricting speech inevitably prevents ascertainment and publication of true facts and accurate judgements – it entails an unwarranted "assumption of infallibility" on the part of the government.[117] As argued by John Stuart Mill and analysed by Eric Barendt, allowing freedom of speech ensures that the government's policies are right and appropriate to legislate; even the possibility of false speech should not prevent genuine expression of true beliefs. Nevertheless, since inflammatory speech that may provoke disorder must be prevented, a government should be entitled to prioritise public order considerations over permitting individuals to express their personal opinions. Balancing the risk of damage and disorder against long-term benefits of uninhibited debate is imperative.[115]

Government's position edit

As society matures, the Singapore Government has taken greater cognisance of educated and informed Singaporeans who place greater value on their rights of expression and call for a less restrictive culture. In 2004, Lee Hsien Loong, then Deputy Prime Minister, expressed how the Government would be "increasingly guided by the consensus of views in the community with regards to morality and decency issues" in a bid to "pull back from being all things to all citizens". However, he emphasised the caveat of "opening up more choices for citizens, without imposing on the whole of society". Civic participation may be engaged through debates on policies and national issues, but criticism which "scores political points and undermines the government's standing, whether or not this is intended" will not be treated lightly. When the opposition criticises an action or policy, the Government "necessarily has to rebut or even demolish them, so not to lose its moral authority".[118]

In a parliamentary speech on 28 February 2008, Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng said that the Government had adjusted its policies in relation to various types of expression. For instance, in 2000 it had created Speakers' Corner as an outdoor venue for political speeches. Use of this venue was liberalised in 2004 to include performances and exhibitions. All public talks held indoors involving organisers and speakers who are Singapore citizens are also exempted from the licensing requirements of the Public Entertainments and Meetings Act.[119] However, freedom of speech and expression, though characteristic and imperative in a self-professed democracy, is not unfettered. The Government thus continues to require licences for events where the speeches relate to race or religion, and does not permit outdoor demonstrations to be held.[120]

Mechanisms for the exercise of free speech edit

Freedom of speech and debate in Parliament edit

The most direct way of upholding representative democracy is for elected MPs to highlight and address the concerns of the electorate during Parliament sessions. Opposition MPs, NCMPs and NMPs fulfil the important role of representing diverse views and enunciating various needs to the Parliament. At the general election in May 2011, six opposition MPs from the Workers' Party of Singapore were elected to Parliament.[40] In section 5 of the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act,[121] enacted pursuant to Article 63 of the Constitution, the freedom of MPs to speak and express themselves in Parliament is provided for in the following terms:

There shall be freedom of speech and debate and proceedings in Parliament, and such freedom of speech and debate and proceedings shall not be liable to be impeached or questioned in any court, commission of inquiry, committee of inquiry, tribunal or any other place whatsoever out of Parliament.[122]

Parliamentary privilege protects contentious views expressed by MPs in the course of parliamentary proceedings in the interest of their constituents or the general public, and thus effectively buoys the right of free speech and expression. Members can speak freely and express themselves frankly in Parliament without fearing legal consequences because they are immune from any civil or criminal proceedings, arrest, imprisonment or damages for what they have said.[123]

Speakers' Corner edit

 
A sign at Hong Lim Park, indicating that it is the venue of Speakers' Corner

Speakers' Corner at Hong Lim Park, which was introduced on 1 September 2000,[124] is a platform for the expression of views in an open-air venue, and was intended to "liberalise our society, to widen the space for expression and participation", as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated in his National Day Rally speech in 2008.[125] Most assemblies, demonstrations, exhibitions and speeches organised by Singapore citizens and participated in by only citizens and permanent residents may be held at Speakers' Corner without the need for any permit under either the Public Entertainments and Meetings Act[119] or the Public Order Act.[126][127] All that is required is prior registration with the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation before engaging in an event at the venue.[128] However, permits are required if the event concerns matters directly or indirectly relating to any religious belief or religion generally, or which may "cause feelings of enmity, hatred, ill-will or hostility between different racial or religious groups in Singapore"; or involves the display of any banner, film, photograph, placard or poster containing violent, lewd or obscene material.[129]

The creation of Speakers' Corner has been criticised as a governmental concession to free speech which remains fairly restrictive.[130] The number of events staged at the venue has gone down over the years; this has been attributed to the prevalence of more widespread, effective and convenient communication channels such as television programmes, and the Internet and its online fora. In the words of Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Speakers' Corner has been "playing the same role as envisaged – mostly dormant but good to have".[131]

New media edit

According to Tan Tarn How, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies and former journalist, Singapore newspapers "have a long record of publicly endorsing the PAP-led government's position". Thus, passing through the mainstream media's filters, news about opposition political parties can end up marginalised or unreported, as compared to updates from the ruling party.[132] Should the media avoid reporting opposition-related events, voters are effectively deprived of making an informed choice. In Castells v. Spain (1992),[133] the European Court of Human Rights said:[134]

Freedom of the press affords the public one of the best means of discovering and forming an opinion of the ideas and attitudes of their political leaders. In particular, it gives politicians the opportunity to reflect and comment on the preoccupations of public opinion; it thus enables everyone to participate in the free political debate which is at the very core of the concept of a democratic society.

With the advent of new media, pro-PAP views in mainstream media are countered by websites expressing the views of Internet users which have been omitted from newspapers and television, thus providing additional platforms for expression which are vital in inculcating a more open and democratic society.[135]

Moves by politicians to embrace public opinion on unofficial and informal new media platforms also illustrate how freedom of speech and expression is upheld, and, in fact, increasingly encouraged and taken into account in Singapore's system of representative democracy. More politicians have been engaging citizens through the Internet through social networking websites and online fora. Former Foreign Minister George Yeo has been actively communicating with netizens on the ubiquitous social networking website Facebook, and has amassed many "friends" who are interested in local political affairs. His willing and frank engagement was evident in the run-up to Singapore's 2011 presidential election, as he had initially contemplated contesting for the Elected Presidency after losing his parliamentary seat in the 2011 general elections, though he subsequently decided not to.[136] Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong engaged in a web chat with netizens on the People's Action Party's Facebook page in May 2011 to answer questions and assuage their concerns.[137]

Restrictions on free speech edit

Article 14(2)(a) of the Constitution recognises that certain restrictions on speech and expression are necessary in the public interest. It states that Parliament may by law impose restrictions on the right to freedom of speech and expression "as it considers necessary or expedient in the interest of the security of Singapore or any part thereof, friendly relations with other countries, public order or morality and restrictions designed to protect the privileges of Parliament or to provide against contempt of court, defamation or incitement to any offence".

However, potentially severe restrictions on free speech, some of which are elaborated upon below, may act as a disincentive to people expressing political views. These restrictions inevitably have a bearing on how representative democracy is upheld, and have also been said to impact the content of free speech as opposition parties are tempered by the fear of defamation suits.[138]

Defamation law edit

The frequency of defamation suits brought by Government ministers and PAP MPs against critics, in particular political opponents, has been a cause for concern for organisations such as the International Bar Association and the United States Department of State.[139] Amnesty International has referred to the use of civil defamation suits as a strategy by the government to inhibit the public activities of opposition politicians.[140] This is due to how high awards of damages often cripple opposition politicians financially, causing them to become bankrupt and thus lose their parliamentary seats or become ineligible to run for elections.[141] The resulting perception is that Singapore's leadership has a long-standing reputation for using defamation actions as a mechanism for removing opposition members from the Singapore Parliament or for inhibiting opposing political views.[142]

The Government has denied these claims, citing the lack of substantiating evidence.[139] Noting that many opposition politicians routinely criticise government leaders but are not sued because they have not uttered slanderous falsehoods, it insists that free speech and the right to disagree are upheld, the effects of which are characteristic of a representative democracy.[143] The Government has also pointed out that Singapore's legal system has won excellent ratings in international surveys.[144] Lee Kuan Yew has also defended the system, asserting that doing things the Government's way has allowed Singapore to be prosperous, orderly and corruption-free whilst gaining international respect; and that the "threat of defamation proceedings may make opposition politicians weigh their words more carefully than they do elsewhere".[145]

Public Entertainments and Meetings Act and Public Order Act edit

Since free speech may be exercised during assemblies and gatherings, Article 14(1)(b) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly, is relevant. Prior to October 2009, the Public Entertainments and Meetings Act ("PEMA")[119] required a licence to be obtained from the Public Entertainments Licensing Unit (PELU) of the Singapore Police Force before talks, discussions or similar events open to the public were held. Holding an event without a licence would result in a fine or imprisonment.[146] Members of opposition parties claimed that PELU acted inconsistently in issuing licences, and that they had been denied licences without reason. The Workers' Party was fined $800 after a dinner event in 1986, at which the Party's Secretary-General J.B. Jeyaretnam had given a speech. PELU decreed that since the publicly delivered speech had been unrelated to the festivities, a separate licence from the dinner itself was needed. In addition, the Act exempted public entertainments provided by or under the auspices of the Government, thus allowing MPs from the ruling PAP to speak without a licence in their capacity as grassroots advisers.[147][148]

With effect from 9 October 2009, PEMA was amended to exclude "any lecture, talk, address, debate or discussion in any place to which the public or any class of the public has access whether gratuitously or otherwise" from the definition of public entertainment,[149] with the consequence that a licence is no longer required under this Act for such events. Under the Public Order Act,[126] which introduced this change, a permit must generally be obtained from the Commissioner of Police before any public assembly is held.[150] However, no permit is required for public assemblies held inside buildings or other enclosed premises where the organisers and speakers are all Singapore citizens; the event does not deal with any matter "which relates (directly or indirectly) to any religious belief or religion, or any matter which may cause feelings of enmity, hatred, ill-will or hostility between different racial or religious groups in Singapore"; and the organiser or an authorised agent of the organiser is present at all times.[151]

Media regulation edit

Both media ownership and content are carefully regulated by the Government. Given how government-linked companies appear to exercise a near monopoly over the mainstream media in Singapore, the view has been taken that the mainstream media take a predominantly pro-PAP stance in their reporting and suppress or disregard the viewpoints of opposition parties.[152] The Government has justified this approach by stressing that the media should play a constructive role in nation-building by adopting and presenting a national perspective on issues.[118] In other words, the media should support the goals of the elected leadership and extol consensus instead of contention to enhance national strength and competitiveness, and thus "assiduously eschew advancing its own political agenda" at the expense of straightforward truth.[153]

Broadcasting and films edit

Under the Broadcasting (Class Licence) Notification,[154] issued under section 9 of the Broadcasting Act,[155] all Internet content providers such as bloggers are automatically considered to be licensed and must comply with the conditions of the class licence and the Internet Code of Practice[156] issued by the Media Development Authority (MDA). In particular, it is mandatory for an Internet content provider to register with the MDA if it is, or if the Authority thinks that it is, an individual providing any programme about or a body of persons engaged in the "propagation, promotion or discussion of political or religious issues relating to Singapore, on the World Wide Web through the Internet".[157] The MDA can fine a licensee, or suspend or cancel its licence, if it has breached the terms of its licence, any relevant code of practice issued by the Authority, any provisions of the Broadcasting Act, or any direction issued by the Authority or the Minister for Communications and Information.[158] In addition, it is an offence to provide a broadcasting service without a licence,[159] and a convicted person is liable to a fine of up to $200,000, jail of up to three years, or both. If the offence continues after conviction, a further fine of up to $10,000 per day may be imposed.[160]

The Minister may declare that any foreign broadcasting service which is rebroadcast in Singapore has been "engaging in the domestic politics of Singapore".[161] Rebroadcasting such a "declared foreign broadcasting service" is prohibited without the Minister's approval, which can be refused, revoked without reasons, or granted on conditions, which may include restrictions on the number of people permitted to receive the service and suspensions of the service for certain periods.[162] Failing to comply with the above rules is a crime punishable by a fine of up to $100,000.[163]

It is an offence under section 33 of the Films Act[164] to distribute, import, make, reproduce, or exhibit or possess for exhibition any "party political film".[165] A party political film is one that is "an advertisement made by or on behalf of any political party in Singapore or any body whose objects relate wholly or mainly to politics in Singapore, or any branch of such party or body", or a film that is "directed towards any political end in Singapore".[166] The latter phrase is defined in the Act as follows:[167]

... [A] film is directed towards a political end in Singapore if the film –

(a) contains wholly or partly any matter which, in the opinion of the Board [of Film Censors], is intended or likely to affect voting in any election or national referendum in Singapore; or
(b) contains wholly or partly references to or comments on any political matter which, in the opinion of the Board, are either partisan or biased; and "political matter" includes but is not limited to any of the following:
(i) an election or a national referendum in Singapore;
(ii) a candidate or group of candidates in an election;
(iii) an issue submitted or otherwise before electors in an election or a national referendum in Singapore;
(iv) the Government or a previous Government or the opposition to the Government or previous Government;
(v) a Member of Parliament;
(vi) a current policy of the Government or an issue of public controversy in Singapore; or
(vii) a political party in Singapore or any body whose objects relate wholly or mainly to politics in Singapore, or any branch of such party or body.

However, the following types of films are not considered to be party political films:[168]

(a) a film which is made solely for the purpose of reporting of news by a broadcasting service licensed under any written law;

(b) a film which is made solely for the purpose of informing or educating persons on the procedures and polling times for any election or national referendum in Singapore;

(c) a film which records live the whole or a material proportion of any performance, assembly of persons or procession that is held in accordance with the law and that does not depict any event, person or situation in a dramatic way;

(d) a film designed to provide a record of an event or occasion that is held in accordance with the law for those who took part in the event or occasion or are connected with those who did so;

(e) a documentary film without any animation and composed wholly of an accurate account depicting actual events, persons (deceased or otherwise) or situations, but not a film –

(i) wholly or substantially based on unscripted or "reality" type programmes; or
(ii) that depicts those events, persons or situations in a dramatic way;

(f) a film without animation and dramatic elements –

(i) composed wholly of a political party’s manifesto or declaration of policies or ideology on the basis of which candidates authorised by the political party to stand will seek to be elected at a parliamentary election; and
(ii) made by or on behalf of that political party; and

(g) a film without animation and dramatic elements –

(i) composed wholly of a candidate’s declaration of policies or ideology on the basis of which the candidate will seek to be elected at a parliamentary or presidential election; and
(ii) made by or on behalf of that candidate.
Newspapers edit
 
The logo of The Wall Street Journal Asia. In 1987, when it was known as The Asian Wall Street Journal, its circulation was restricted by the Government for engaging in the domestic politics of Singapore.

The Newspaper and Printing Presses Act ("NPPA")[169] generally imposes curbs on the foreign ownership of newspaper companies,[170] and requires a permit to be obtained for the publication, sale and distribution of newspapers.[171] It also enables the Minister for Communications and Information to restrict the circulation of any foreign newspaper that has been declared to be "engaging in the domestic politics of Singapore".[172] In February 1987, such a declaration was made against The Asian Wall Street Journal and its circulation was limited to 400 copies.[173] The newspaper's publisher, Dow Jones Publishing Co. (Asia) Inc., unsuccessfully challenged the decision before the High Court and the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal interpreted the term domestic politics broadly, holding that in Singapore's context it included:[174]

... the political system of Singapore and the political ideology underpinning it, the public institutions that are a manifestation of the system and the policies of the government of the day that give life to the political system. In other words, the domestic politics of Singapore relate to the multitude of issues concerning how Singapore should be governed in the interest and for the welfare of its people.

In a September 2011 statement, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts justified the NPPA's existence, stating: "The various safeguards provided for in the NPPA help to ensure that the media operating in Singapore play a responsible role and that publishers are accountable for the content they publish. The safeguards also prevent local newspapers from being manipulated by foreign interests which can have a divisive effect on social cohesion. These considerations are still valid today. Journalistic freedom to report responsibly has not been compromised."[175]

Publications edit

Under the Internal Security Act,[176] the Minister for Communications and Information is empowered to prohibit the printing, publication, sale, issue, circulation or possession of any document or publication on the ground, among others, that it is prejudicial to the national interest, public order or security of Singapore.[177] Doing any of the above acts in relation to a banned publication is a criminal offence.[178] Among the publications that have been interdicted under this Act are works by Vladimir Lenin and Mao Zedong, and the Russian political newspaper Pravda.[179] A similar power to prohibit the importation, sale or circulation of publications that are considered to be contrary to the public interest exists under the Undesirable Publications Act.[180]

Election advertising edit

Advertising on the Internet was liberalised by the Government in time for the 2011 general elections.[181] Two forms of political advertising on the Internet are permitted during parliamentary elections. First, during the election period – that is, the period between the day the writ of election is issued and the start of polling day[182] – political parties, candidates or election agents may use the Internet to further candidates' campaigns, including using websites, chat rooms or discussion forums, video and photograph sharing or hosting websites, e-mail, micro-blog posts (such as Twitter), SMS and MMS messages, digital audio and video files, electronic media applications,[183] and blogs and social networking services (such as Facebook).[184] Election advertising sent by e-mail, micro-blog post, SMS or MMS must contain a functioning e-mail address or mobile phone number to enable recipients to indicate that they do not wish to receive further messages from the sender.[185]

However, the Internet may not be used to publish the following:[186]

  • Election surveys, defined as opinion surveys of how electors will vote at an election, or of the preferences of electors concerning any candidate or group of candidates or any political party or issue with which an identifiable candidate or group of candidates is associated at an election.[187]
  • Appeals for money or other property in association with a representation that it will be applied for the objects or activities of any political party or for the promotion of any candidate or group of candidates.
  • Any facility enabling members of the public to search for unlawful election advertising.
  • Party political films not permitted by the Films Act.[164]

Secondly, when candidates wish to publish election advertising on the Internet during the campaign period – that is, the period from the closure of the place of nomination on nomination day after the election is adjourned to enable a poll to be taken, to the start of the eve of polling day[188] – they must provide to the returning officer, within 12 hours after the start of the period, declarations containing information on all the online platforms the advertising has appeared on in that time. Subsequently, a similar declaration must be provided before election advertising is published on such platforms.[189]

Individuals who are Singapore citizens may publish on the Internet material that amounts to election advertising without having to comply with the above regulations so long as they do so personally and not at the direction of another person or on that person's behalf, and do not receive any benefit for doing so.[190]

During presidential elections, candidates may advertise on the Internet except on the eve of polling day and polling day itself. However, on those days, it remains legal for people to convey their own political views on a non-commercial basis to others by telephonic or electronic transmission, and election advertising may remain unaltered on the Internet if it was lawfully published before the eve of polling day.[191]

Other controversies relating to representative democracy edit

Over the years, the Government has been accused of slowing down the progress of democracy by using the Internal Security Act to detain political opponents and suppress political criticism and dissent by organisations such as the Asian Legal Resource Centre and Human Rights Watch.[192] A similar allegation was made by presidential election candidate Tan Jee Say in 2011.[193] Conversely, the Government has repeatedly asserted that "[n]o person has ever been detained only for their political beliefs".[194][195]

Notes edit

  1. ^ "Map of Freedom in the World: Singapore (2019)". Freedom House. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  2. ^ Lange v. Australian Broadcasting Corporation [1997] HCA 25, (1997) 189 C.L.R. 520 at 560, High Court (Australia), citing, among others, Anthony Harold Birch (1964), Representative and Responsible Government: An Essay on the British Constitution, [Toronto]: University of Toronto Press, p. 17, OCLC 1149264.
  3. ^ a b Parliamentary Elections Act (Cap. 218, 2011 Rev. Ed.) ("PEA").
  4. ^ a b c d Thio Li-ann (NMP), "Parliamentary Elections (Motion)", Singapore Parliamentary Debates, Official Report (27 August 2008), vol. 84, cols. 3328–3409.
  5. ^ a b c d Lee Hsien Loong (Prime Minister), "Parliamentary Elections (Motion)", Singapore Parliamentary Debates, Official Report (27 August 2008), vol. 84, cols. 3328–3409.
  6. ^ G[eoffrey] W[ilson] Bartholomew (1976), "The Singapore Legal System", in Riaz Hassan (ed.), Singapore: Society in Transition, Kuala Lumpur; New York, N.Y.: Oxford University Press, p. 84, ISBN 978-0-19-580352-5.
  7. ^ UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill to Governor of the Straits Settlements Laurence Guillemard, C.O. 273/510 (24 June 1922), cited in Yeo Kim Wah (1973), Political Development in Singapore, 1945–55, Singapore: Singapore University Press, p. 55, OCLC 902704.
  8. ^ Report of Select Committee Appointed to Consider whether Any and What Changes are Desirable in the Constitution of the Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements [No. 5 of 1921 Straits Settlements], s.l.: Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements, 1921, OCLC 642502776: see Rupert Emerson (1964), Malaysia: A Study in Direct and Indirect Rule, Kuala Lumpur: University of Malaya Press, p. 284, OCLC 599147.
  9. ^ Kevin Y L Tan (1999), "A Short Legal and Constitutional History of Singapore", in Kevin Y L Tan (ed.), The Singapore Legal System (2nd ed.), Singapore: Singapore University Press, pp. 26–66 at 37–38, ISBN 978-981-210-349-9.
  10. ^ Goh Kok Leong (1981), "Legal History of the Japanese Occupation in Singapore", Malayan Law Journal, 1: xx.
  11. ^ By the Straits Settlements Repeal Act 1946 (9 & 10 Geo. VI, c. 37) (UK).
  12. ^ Order-in-Council dated 27 March 1946 (Statutory Rules and Orders 1946 No. 462).
  13. ^ Report of the Committee for the Reconstitution of the Singapore Legislative Council, reproduced in Appendix A of the Annual Report on Singapore for 1st April – 31st December 1946, Singapore: Colony of Singapore, 1947, pp. 17–25, OCLC 504451389.
  14. ^ Singapore Colony Order-in-Council dated 24 February 1948 (Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 1948 No. 341).
  15. ^ C[onstance] M[ary] Turnbull (1977), A History of Singapore, 1819–1975, Kuala Lumpur; New York, N.Y.: Oxford University Press, p. 56, ISBN 978-0-19-580354-9.
  16. ^ See the letter from Governor Sir John Nicoll to Sir George Rendel, reproduced in the annex to the [Report of the] Constitutional Commission, Singapore [Chairman: George Rendel], Singapore: Printed by the Government Printer, 1954, OCLC 63847297.
  17. ^ Singapore Colony Order-in-Council S.I. 1955 No. 187.
  18. ^ Churchill to Guillemard, C.O. 273/510 (24 June 1922), cited in Yeo, Political Development in Singapore, p. 62.
  19. ^ By the State of Singapore Act 1958 (6 & 7 Eliz. 2, c. 59) (UK).
  20. ^ Turnbull, p. 236.
  21. ^ Independence of Singapore Agreement 1965 (1985 Rev. Ed.).
  22. ^ Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Act 1984 (No. 16 of 1984), and Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Act 1984 (No. 22 of 1984).
  23. ^ Lee Kuan Yew (Prime Minister), speech during the Second Reading of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill, Singapore Parliamentary Debates, Official Report (24 July 1984), vol. 44, col. 1726.
  24. ^ By the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Act 1990 (No. 11 of 1990).
  25. ^ See, for instance, Wee Kim Wee (President), "President's Address", Singapore Parliamentary Debates, Official Report (9 January 1989), vol. 52, col. 15.
  26. ^ Thomas Paine (1824), "Dissertation on First Principles of Government", The Political Writings of Thomas Paine, Secretary to the Committee of Foreign Affairs in the American Revolution: To which is Prefixed a Brief Sketch of the Author's Life, vol. 2, Charlestown, Mass.: George Davidson, pp. 325–344 at 334; also published in Thomas Paine (1859), "Dissertation on First Principles of Government", The Political Writings of Thomas Paine, Secretary to the Committee of Foreign Affairs in the American Revolution: To which is Prefixed a Brief Sketch of the Author's Life, Boston, Mass.: J.P. Mendum, pp. 335–336, OCLC 475803868.
  27. ^ Paul C. Weiler (1984), "Rights and Judges in a Democracy", University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform, 18 (1): 51–92 at 65.
  28. ^ Weiler, p. 67.
  29. ^ Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (1985 Rev. Ed., 1999 Reprint).
  30. ^ K. Shanmugam (Minister for Law), "Head R – Ministry of Law", Singapore Parliamentary Debates, Official Report (13 February 2009), vol. 85, col. 3146ff.
  31. ^ Thio Li-ann (NMP), "Head R – Ministry of Law: Legal Status of the Right to Vote and Entrenchment", Singapore Parliamentary Debates, Official Report (12 February 2009), vol. 85, col. 3111ff.
  32. ^ Report of the Constitutional Commission, 1966 [chairman: Chief Justice Wee Chong Jin], Singapore: Government Printer, 1966, OCLC 51640681, reproduced in Kevin Y L Tan; Thio Li-ann (1997), Constitutional Law in Malaysia and Singapore (2nd ed.), Singapore: Butterworths Asia, Appendix D, ISBN 978-0-409-99908-2.
  33. ^ Taw Cheng Kong v. Public Prosecutor [1998] 1 S.L.R.(R.) [Singapore Law Reports (Reissue)] 78, High Court (Singapore).
  34. ^ Taw Cheng Kong, p. 102, para. 56.
  35. ^ Shanmugam, "Head R – Ministry of Law", Singapore Parliamentary Debates, Official Report (13 February 2009), cols. 3158 and 3160.
  36. ^ Shanmugam, "Head R – Ministry of Law", Singapore Parliamentary Debates, Official Report (13 February 2009), col. 3165.
  37. ^ Lua Ee Laine; Sim Jek Sok, Disa; Koh Theng Jer, Christopher (1996), "Principles and Practices of Voting: The Singapore Electoral System", Singapore Law Review, 17: 244–321 at 310.
  38. ^ William Wade (1980), Constitutional Fundamentals, Stevens & Sons, p. 10, ISBN 978-0-420-45910-7.
  39. ^ Singapore's PAP returned to power, Channel NewsAsia, 7 May 2006, archived from the original on 29 June 2011.
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  41. ^ The total number of votes cast was 2,156,389, made up of 2,118,540 valid votes and 37,849 rejected votes (1.76% of the total): Statement of the Poll in a Presidential Election () dated 31 August 2011, archived from the original on 2 September 2011. See also Li Xueying (28 August 2011), "Tony Tan is president: He wins by 7,269 votes after recount", The Sunday Times, pp. 1–2; Loh Chee Kong (28 August 2011), "Dr Tony Tan is Singapore's next President: Former Deputy Prime Minister edges out Dr Tan Cheng Bock in an intensely-fought contest", Today on Sunday, p. 1, archived from the original on 28 August 2011; Andrea Ong (1 September 2011), "Tony Tan gets almost 40% of overseas votes", The Straits Times, pp. A1 & A8; Tan Qiuyi (1 September 2011), "Final vote tally for PE", Today, p. 6, archived from the original on 22 September 2011.
  42. ^ PEA, s. 43(1); Presidential Elections Act (Cap. 240A, 2011 Rev. Ed.), s. 26.
  43. ^ PEA, s. 6.
  44. ^ Constitution, Art. 57(1): "Subject to this Constitution, all questions proposed for decision in Parliament shall be determined by a majority of the votes of the Members present and voting".
  45. ^ PEA, s. 5.
  46. ^ PEA, ss. 5(1) and (2). The eligibility requirements for voting in parliamentary elections apply to presidential elections as well: Presidential Elections Act, s. 21.
  47. ^ Constitution, Art. 38.
  48. ^ Constitution, Art. 39A.
  49. ^ Constitution, Art. 39(1)(b).
  50. ^ Constitution, Art. 39(1)(c).
  51. ^ Constitution, Art. 39A(2)(a), PEA, ss. 8A(1)(a) and (b) and 27A(4). See also Wan Wai Yee (1994), "Recent Changes to the Westminster System of Government and Government Accountability", Singapore Law Review, 15: 297–332 at 307–308, and Tsun Hang Tey (December 2008), "Singapore's Electoral System: Government by the People?", Legal Studies, 28 (4): 610–628 at 617, doi:10.1111/j.1748-121X.2008.00106.x, S2CID 143965283.
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  55. ^ Tan, p. 49.
  56. ^ Tan, p. 51.
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  60. ^ a b Tey, p. 612.
  61. ^ PEA, s. 52(3A)(a).
  62. ^ Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (1999 Reprint) ("The Constitution"), Art. 39(2).
  63. ^ Tey, p. 616.
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  65. ^ Thio Li-ann (1994), "The Post-colonial Constitutional Evolution of the Singapore Legislature: A Case Study", Singapore Journal of Legal Studies: 80–122 at 99, SSRN 965257.
  66. ^ By the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Act 2010 2010 ([{{{archiverurl}}} No. 9 of 2010]), archived from the original on 7 April 2017, in force on 1 July 2010.
  67. ^ Constitution, Art. 39(2).
  68. ^ Tey, p. 621.
  69. ^ Tey, p. 623.
  70. ^ Sylvia Lim (NMP), "Nominated Members of Parliament (Motion)", Singapore Parliamentary Debates, Official Report (14 November 2006), vol. 85, col. 877ff.
  71. ^ PEA, s. 24(2A).
  72. ^ Vellama d/o Marie Muthu v. Attorney-General [2012] SGHC 155 at para. 115, High Court (Singapore).
  73. ^ Li-ann Thio (2007), "(S)electing the President – Diluting Democracy?", International Journal of Constitutional Law, 5 (3): 526–543 at 528, doi:10.1093/icon/mom017.
  74. ^ Constitution, Art. 21(1).
  75. ^ Thio, "(S)electing the President", p. 541; see also Lua, Sim & Koh, p. 282.
  76. ^ a b Thio, "(S)electing the President", p. 542.
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  122. ^ This provision is based on one of the rights stated in the English Bill of Rights 1689 (1 Will. & Mary, sess. 2, c. 2) (UK), which reads: "[T]he Freedome of Speech and Debates or Proceedings in Parlyament ought not to be impeached or questioned in any Court or Place out of Parlyament."
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  147. ^ PEMA, Schedule, para. 3(b): "'Public entertainment' does not include — ... (b) public entertainment provided by or under the auspices of the Government or any department of the Government or any authority constituted under any written law relating to local government".
  148. ^ Gomez, "Restricting Free Speech", pp. 109–110.
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  150. ^ POA, s. 7. An assembly means "a gathering or meeting (whether or not comprising any lecture, talk, address, debate or discussion) of persons the purpose (or one of the purposes) of which is — (a) to demonstrate support for or opposition to the views or actions of any person, group of persons or any government; (b) to publicise a cause or campaign; or (c) to mark or commemorate any event, and includes a demonstration by a person alone for any such purpose referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c)": s. 2(1).
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  165. ^ The penalty is a fine not exceeding $100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years: Films Act, s. 33.
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References edit

Legislation edit

  • Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (1985 Rev. Ed., 1999 Reprint).
  • Internal Security Act (Cap. 143, 1985 Rev. Ed.) ("ISA").
  • Parliamentary Elections Act (Cap. 218, 2011 Rev. Ed.) ("PEA").
  • Parliamentary Elections (Election Advertising) Regulations (), archived from the original on 10 May 2011 ("Election Advertising Regulations").
  • Presidential Elections Act (Cap. 240A, 2011 Rev. Ed.).
  • Public Entertainments and Meetings Act (Cap. 257, 2001 Rev. Ed.) ("PEMA").
  • Public Order Act (Cap. 257A, 2012 Rev. Ed.) ("POA").

Parliamentary debates edit

  • Lee Hsien Loong (Prime Minister), "Parliamentary Elections (Motion)", Singapore Parliamentary Debates, Official Report (27 August 2008), vol. 84, cols. 3328–3409.
  • Thio Li-ann (NMP), "Parliamentary Elections (Motion)", Singapore Parliamentary Debates, Official Report (27 August 2008), vol. 84, cols. 3328–3409.
  • K. Shanmugam (Minister for Law), "Head R – Ministry of Law", Singapore Parliamentary Debates, Official Report (13 February 2009), vol. 85, col. 3146ff.

Other works edit

  • Gomez, James (December 2005), (PDF), London: ARTICLE 19, ISBN 978-1-902598-82-6, archived from the original (PDF) on 20 January 2012, retrieved 27 November 2012.
  • Gomez, James (2006), , The Copenhagen Journal of Asian Studies, 23 (1): 105–131, doi:10.22439/cjas.v23i1.694, archived from the original on 19 April 2018, retrieved 22 November 2012.
  • Lua, Ee Laine; Sim, Jek Sok Disa; Koh, Theng Jer Christopher (1996), "Principles and Practices of Voting: The Singapore Electoral System", Singapore Law Review, 17: 244–321.
  • McLachlin, Beverly (2000), (PDF), Singapore Academy of Law Journal, 12: 311–330, archived from the original (PDF) on 21 March 2015.
  • Tey, Tsun Hang (December 2008), "Singapore's Electoral System: Government by the People?", Legal Studies, 28 (4): 610–628, doi:10.1111/j.1748-121X.2008.00106.x, S2CID 143965283.
  • Thio, Li-ann (2007), "(S)electing the President – Diluting Democracy?", International Journal of Constitutional Law, 5 (3): 526–543, doi:10.1093/icon/mom017.
  • Turnbull, C[onstance] M[ary] (1977), A History of Singapore, 1819–1975, Kuala Lumpur; New York, N.Y.: Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0-19-580354-9.
  • Weiler, Paul C. (1984), "Rights and Judges in a Democracy", University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform, 18 (1): 51–92.
  • Yeo, Kim Wah (1973), Political Development in Singapore, 1945–55, Singapore: Singapore University Press, OCLC 902704.

Further reading edit

Articles edit

  • Chan, Cassandra (2003–2004), , Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Review, 26: 315–339, archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
  • Gomez, James (October 2005), "International NGOs: Filling the Civil Society 'Gap' in Singapore", Sojourn: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia, 20 (2): 177–207, doi:10.1355/SJ20-2D, S2CID 145462101, from the original on 14 February 2015.
  • Kuttan, Sharaad; Lee, Weng Choy, eds. (1993), "Democracy", Commentary, 11 (2), OCLC 32801295.
  • Sim, Cameron (2011), "The Singapore Chill: Political Defamation and the Normalization of a Statist Rule of Law" (PDF), Pacific Rim Law and Policy Journal, 20 (2): 319–353, (PDF) from the original on 24 April 2012.
  • Tey, Tsun Hang (November 2008), "Confining the Freedom of the Press in Singapore – A 'Pragmatic' Press for 'Nation Building'?", Human Rights Quarterly, 30 (4): 876–905, doi:10.1353/hrq.0.0034, S2CID 144347041.
  • Thio, Li-ann (2003), "Singapore: Regulating Political Speech and the Commitment 'to Build a Democratic Society'", International Journal of Constitutional Law, 1 (3): 516–524, doi:10.1093/icon/1.3.516.
  • Thio, Li-ann (2008), "The Virtual and the Real: Article 14, Political Speech and the Calibrated Management of Deliberative Democracy in Singapore", Singapore Journal of Legal Studies: 25–57, SSRN 1265329.

Books edit

representative, democracy, singapore, confused, with, politics, singapore, singapore, multi, party, parliamentary, system, representative, democracy, which, president, singapore, head, state, prime, minister, singapore, head, government, executive, power, vest. Not to be confused with the politics of Singapore Singapore has a multi party parliamentary system of representative democracy in which the President of Singapore is the head of state and the Prime Minister of Singapore is the head of government Executive power is vested in the President and the Cabinet Cabinet has the general direction and control of the government and is collectively responsible to the Parliament There are three separate branches of government the legislature executive and judiciary Representative democracy began in the 1940s when the number of elected seats in the legislature gradually increased until a fully elected Legislative Assembly of Singapore was established in 1958 At present Singapore legislation establishes various mechanisms that fulfil the doctrine of representative democracy Parliamentary elections in Singapore are required to be held regularly to elect the Parliament by universal suffrage Although the right to vote in Singapore law is not expressly mentioned in the Constitution the Government has affirmed that the right is implied by the constitutional text The Constitution vests the three branches of the state with different aspects of governmental power The executive is made up of the President and the Cabinet which is headed by the Prime Minister The Cabinet is accountable to the electorate and is an embodiment of representative democracy The President is elected by the people to act as a constitutional safeguard in protecting the national reserves and preserving the integrity of the public service To qualify as a presidential candidate stringent criteria must be satisfied The Constitution further provides for the composition of a parliament which encompasses members of parliament MPs elected through Single Member Constituencies and Group Representation Constituencies Non constituency Members of Parliament NCMPs and Nominated Members of Parliament NMPs MPs are representatives of the electorate and have the role of raising concerns that the people may have The Government s view is that representative democracy is better understood as regarding political parties rather than individual MPs as the fundamental element in the political system While the judiciary is not a direct manifestation of the concept of representative democracy it serves as a check on the Government and the legislature by ensuring that their powers are exercised within the limits established by the Constitution such as the fundamental liberties in Part IV The democratic right of Singaporeans to change their government through free and fair elections has not been tested as of yet From its independence the governing People s Action Party PAP has won every election with varying amounts of support ranging from 60 70 of the popular vote under the first past the post voting system FPTP Nevertheless U S based Freedom House has said that elections in Singapore are free from voter suppression and electoral fraud 1 The right to freedom of speech and expression which is guaranteed to Singapore citizens by Article 14 of the Constitution of Singapore is essential to the concept of representative democracy Mechanisms available for the exercise of the right include the freedom of speech and debate in Parliament Speakers Corner and the new media However Article 14 enables Parliament to restrict the right to free speech on various grounds One of these is the protection of reputation Critics have charged that Cabinet ministers and members of the ruling People s Action Party have used civil defamation suits against opposition politicians to inhibit their activities and exclude them from Parliament The Government has said that there is no evidence substantiating such claims In addition both media ownership and content are carefully regulated by the Government Article 14 protects the right to freedom of assembly which is relevant to free speech as the latter is often exercised at assemblies and gatherings Free assembly is restricted in Singapore through laws that require permits to be obtained before events are held though an exception is made for indoor events involving organisers and speakers who are citizens The Government has been accused of slowing down the progress of democracy by using the Internal Security Act Cap 143 1985 Rev Ed ISA to detain political opponents and suppress political criticism In response the Government has asserted that no person has been detained purely for their political beliefs Contents 1 Government s understanding of representative democracy 2 History 2 1 Before World War II 2 2 After World War II 2 3 Self governance merger with Malaysia and independence 3 Voting 3 1 Role in a representative democracy 3 2 Right to vote 3 3 First past the post system 3 4 Eligibility to vote 4 Democratic institutions 4 1 Legislature 4 1 1 Constituencies 4 1 2 Non constituency Members of Parliament 4 1 3 Nominated Members of Parliament 4 1 4 By elections 4 2 Elected President 4 2 1 Stringent eligibility requirements and the Presidential Elections Committee s role 4 2 2 Uncontested elections 4 3 Prime Minister and the Cabinet 5 Role of the judiciary 5 1 Appointment and independence of judges 5 2 Upholding the Constitution 5 3 Purposive interpretation of statutes 6 Freedom of speech and expression 6 1 Role in a representative democracy 6 2 Government s position 6 3 Mechanisms for the exercise of free speech 6 3 1 Freedom of speech and debate in Parliament 6 3 2 Speakers Corner 6 3 3 New media 6 4 Restrictions on free speech 6 4 1 Defamation law 6 4 2 Public Entertainments and Meetings Act and Public Order Act 6 4 3 Media regulation 6 4 3 1 Broadcasting and films 6 4 3 2 Newspapers 6 4 3 3 Publications 6 4 3 4 Election advertising 7 Other controversies relating to representative democracy 8 Notes 9 References 9 1 Legislation 9 2 Parliamentary debates 9 3 Other works 10 Further reading 10 1 Articles 10 2 BooksGovernment s understanding of representative democracy edit nbsp An engraving of British MP and philosopher Edmund Burke 1729 1797 from Album du centenaire 1889 Burke s views on representative democracy were referred to by NMP Thio Li ann in Parliament in 2008 Representative democracy has been described as a system of government where the people in free elections elect their representatives to the legislative chamber which occupies the most powerful position in the political system 2 The meaning of the term was discussed in the Parliament of Singapore on 27 August 2008 upon a motion moved by Nominated Member of Parliament Thio Li ann a professor of constitutional law at the National University of Singapore Faculty of Law for the House to affirm the importance of representative democracy and to call on the Government to amend the Parliamentary Elections Act 3 to make the calling of by elections mandatory in Group Representation Constituencies GRCs in certain situations According to Thio under the view of representative democracy taken by the 18th century British Member of Parliament MP and philosopher Edmund Burke an MP is no mere delegate who simply mouths his constituents views An MP is chosen for his mature judgement and enlightened conscience Thus an MP has to represent his constituents in tending to municipal affairs but also be concerned with national affairs and as a party member he must toe the party line In addition an MP of a minority ethnic group in a GRC has to carry the concerns of his particular minority community as well For this reason she felt that if the seat of a minority MP in a GRC became vacant it should be incumbent on the Government to call a by election to fill it 4 Opposing the motion Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong noted that the Burkean model of representative democracy puts the emphasis on choosing candidates to become MPs as the fundamental element of the whole scheme with the result that if an MP dies or resigns he has to be replaced so a by election has to be held promptly without delay However in the Government s view representative democracy is better understood as having an emphasis on choosing political parties to form the government and to have political parties as the fundamental element in the system 5 Parties will field candidates to contest in general elections They have to be high quality people with integrity ability commitment drive all the attributes which we look for in an ideal candidate But the candidate is not on his own He carries the banner of the party H e identifies himself for the party s manifesto the programmes and the promises that the party makes In this scheme if voters in the general election support the party and vote its candidates in and they form a majority in Parliament then that party with a majority in Parliament forms the government And that party has a mandate not only because it so happens that this specific group of MPs at this moment supports it but because it stood in a general election and the voters gave it the mandate and indirectly through the MP voted for this party to form the government of the country and to govern the country until the next general elections are called Therefore the emphasis in this system is on the ruling Party delivering on its programmes and promises 5 Consequently if a parliamentary seat falls vacant mid term it does not have to be filled immediately as t he vacancy does not affect the mandate of the Government nor its ability to deliver on its programmes or promises And this mandate continues until the next general election is called when the incumbent team will render account to the electorate The Prime Minister said that the Singapore system of government was based on this model for two reasons first to encourage voters to think very carefully when they are voting during general elections because you are not only voting for your representative in the constituency you are voting for the government in the country and secondly to maximise the chances of a stable effective government in between general elections 5 History editSingapore was colonised by the British in the 19th century during which society was ruled according to English law The result was the transplantation of the Western idea of representative democracy into Singapore s legal system This idea has taken root and developed tremendously since the end of World War II into what it is today Before World War II edit nbsp The royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom on a pediment of the National Museum of Singapore Singapore was subject to British rule between 1819 and 1963 and did not begin having elected members in its legislature until 1948 After Singapore was founded in 1819 she was under the jurisdiction of British rule 6 For a long time representative democracy was non existent 7 In 1920 a select committee which was established to reform the Legislative Council argued that Singapore was not ready for democratic ideas to allow people to elect members into the Legislative Council might result in giving the professional politician the opportunity of obtaining power by playing on religious and social prejudices 8 Even though the Council lacked popular representation of the locals the population was generally satisfied with the system and the policies of the Governor of the Straits Settlements were influenced by opinions expressed by the public and in the press 9 After World War II edit It was only in 1946 after the Japanese Occupation 10 and the disbanding of the Straits Settlements 11 that the people were allowed to elect members into the Legislative Council The Council then consisted of at least 22 but not more than 24 members Only nine members were elected out of which the Singapore Chamber of Commerce the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Indian Chamber of Commerce were each allotted one seat 12 The other six seats were to be filled by democratic elections based on universal suffrage 13 Elections were held for the first time on 20 March 1948 14 Even so the general public was apathetic towards the new political situation and the British regarded this as the major impediment to the development of democratic government in Singapore 15 Thus a constitutional commission headed by Sir George Rendel was set up in 1953 to recommend changes in the constitutional system with the aim of increasing widespread participation in the central and local government of Singapore 16 The Government accepted most of the Rendel Commission s recommendations in its report of February 1954 One suggested reform was to transform the Legislative Council into an Assembly of 32 members of whom 25 would be elected The Leader of the House or Chief Minister would be the leader of the largest political party in the Assembly or of a coalition of parties assured of majority support Representation by the Chambers of Commerce was also removed 17 The amended Constitution of Singapore also provided for a Council of Ministers appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Chief Minister consisting of three unelected Official Members and six Elected Members As the Constitution was unclear on the powers of the ministers the discretion to make crucial decisions and formulate policies was understood to reside in the Governor and the Official Members 18 Self governance merger with Malaysia and independence edit A fully elected Legislative Assembly was finally established in 1958 when Singapore relinquished its colonial status to become a self governing state 19 Its powers extended to areas not previously under its purview such as defence and foreign policy This situation remained throughout merger with Malaysia in 1963 and after separation from Malaysia and full independence in 1965 20 In the Proclamation of Singapore contained in the Independence of Singapore Agreement 1965 21 entered into between Malaysia and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew proclaimed on behalf of the people and Government of Singapore that as from 9 August 1965 Singapore shall be forever a sovereign democratic and independent nation founded upon the principles of liberty and justice and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of her people in a more just and equal society After independence the Parliament of Singapore remained fully elected until 1984 when amendments to the Constitution and the Parliamentary Elections Act were passed to provide for Non constituency Members of Parliament NCMPs 22 NCMPs who are declared elected by the returning officer consist of the best performing losers in general elections based on the percentage of votes cast The scheme ensures that opposition representation is accounted for in the Parliament 23 In 1990 yet another type of unelected Member was introduced the Nominated Member of Parliament NMP 24 These non partisan Members were brought in to provide alternate views on policies that differed from the opinions espoused by the political parties represented in Parliament 25 Voting editRole in a representative democracy edit Voting is regarded as key to representative democracy which requires that the leaders of a country are elected by the people The basis of this concept is that everyone should be treated equally and everyone has equal rights Every person therefore has a right to one vote and no more in the choice of representatives 26 The right to vote is a primary right a right of fundamental importance by which other rights are protected It is one of the important bulwarks of a representative democracy and in this regard the ballot box is the people s ultimate mechanism to control the shaping of government policies 27 However it must be recognised that voting is not an infallible litmus test for democracy rather it functions as a procedural device that is normally regarded as the best instrument for securing the ideal of self governance 28 Right to vote edit nbsp Sample ballot papers used in Singapore general elections in Single Member Constituencies top and Group Representation ConstituenciesMain article Right to vote in Singapore law The right to vote in Singapore is an implied constitutional right arising from various provisions in the Constitution 29 30 These include Articles 65 and 66 which provide for a maximum term of five years for each Parliament and for a general election to be held within three months after Parliament is dissolved In a parliamentary debate in 2009 NMP Thio Li ann suggested that the Government should amend the Constitution to expressly include a right to vote She said 31 A right of fundamental importance should be recognised as a fundamental right and constitutionally entrenched Only the most important rights and interests are constitutionalised The right to vote is not an ancillary or new fangled right it is fundamental and long established Thio noted that in 1966 the Wee Chong Jin Constitutional Commission 32 had considered it necessary and wise to constitutionally entrench the right to vote by making it removable only by a majority of two thirds of the electorate voting at a national referendum In addition she cited the case of Taw Cheng Kong v Public Prosecutor 1988 33 where the High Court had made a statement which seemed to indicate that the right to vote is a privilege rather than a right 34 In reply Minister for Law K Shanmugam affirmed that the right to vote is indeed a constitutional right He noted that it cannot be a privilege in a representative democracy since that would imply that there exists an institution superior to the body of citizens which can grant such a privilege He also asserted that ultimately it is the mettle of the people and its leadership that determine whether the Constitution is abided by as the supreme law of the land 35 In response to Thio s point on the views of the Wee Chong Jin Constitutional Commission Shanmugam said that at the time the report was rendered the electorate was immature and unfamiliar with the importance of voting a result of the country s history of colonial rule In contrast the high voter turnout rates in every election since then evidenced that Singaporeans have realised this point With regard to the Taw Cheng Kong case Shanmugam stated that since the Court s observations were obiter they were unlikely to be treated as setting a precedent 36 First past the post system edit The first past the post voting system also known as the simple plurality voting system is used in Singapore for electing the President as well as Members of the Parliament This system has been criticised as undemocratic because the eventual winner may have won only a minority of the total votes cast despite having secured the most votes in absolute terms among all the candidates 37 Thus there might be cases where an elected politician can be said to have won the mandate of only a minority of voters and that his or her election is therefore not an accurate reflection of the voters will As constitutional lawyer Sir William Wade has said If it is accepted that a democratic Parliament ought to represent so far as possible the preferences of the voters this system is probably the worst that could be devised 38 In the 2006 general election despite only achieving 66 6 of the total votes cast the ruling People s Action Party PAP was returned to power with 82 out of the 84 seats 39 While there were more opposition members elected to the Parliament in the 2011 general election PAP held on to 81 of 87 seats in the Parliament despite securing only 60 1 of the votes 40 Also during the 2011 presidential election President Tony Tan Keng Yam won with only 35 2 of the total votes 41 Eligibility to vote edit Voting in Singapore is compulsory 42 Any citizen above 21 years of age who is not disqualified by the factors in section 6 of the Parliamentary Elections Act 3 is required to vote in person 43 There is no constitutional provision stipulating any qualifications for voters and as the Act is an ordinary piece of legislation the disqualifying factors may be changed by a simple majority more than 50 of votes in Parliament 44 To be eligible to vote at a contested election in any constituency a voter s name must be on the latest certified register of electors for that constituency 45 The name of the voter will be included in the register of electors for a constituency if on the cut off date for the production of the register of electors the voter is a citizen of Singapore at least 21 years old and ordinarily resident or deemed to be ordinarily resident in Singapore at an address that is in that constituency For the purpose of preparing or revising a register of electors information stated on a voter s National Registration Identity Card is used to determine that he or she complies with the above requirements unless the facts are shown to be otherwise 46 Democratic institutions editLegislature edit nbsp Parliament House SingaporeThe Legislature of Singapore consists of the President and the Parliament 47 The concept of representative democracy is embodied in the Legislature and is given effect in part through various parliamentary innovations that have been introduced over the years such as Group Representation Constituencies 48 Non constituency Members of Parliament 49 and Nominated Members of Parliament 50 Constituencies edit Main articles Constituencies of Singapore and Group Representation Constituency There are two types of constituencies electoral divisions in Singapore Single Member Constituencies SMCs and Group Representation Constituencies GRCs In SMCs candidates vie individually for parliamentary seats whereas in GRCs the contest is between teams of candidates Under the GRC scheme which came into effect on 1 June 1988 the Government may having regard to the number of voters in a particular constituency advise the President to declare it to be a GRC and designate it as a constituency in which at least one of the candidates is from the Malay community or from the Indian or some other minority community in Singapore Each team in a GRC may have between three and six candidates 51 The GRC scheme seeks to ensure a multiracial Parliament and seeks to secure the long term political stability of Singapore by ensuring that Parliament will always be multi racial and representative of our society and by encouraging the practice of multi racial politics by all political parties 52 It also encourages political parties to appeal to all races with moderate policies and not to one race or another with chauvinist or extremist policies Further it has been suggested that the scheme puts a premium on parties which can field credible teams thereby demonstrating that they are fit not just to become MPs but to form the government 53 nbsp Election rallies were held by the various political parties in the run up to the 2011 general election Here the Singapore Democratic Party which contested in two GRCs is holding their party rally The GRC scheme has been criticised as weakening the candidate voter relationship because it may be more difficult for voters to feel that candidates actually represent them when there are a number of candidates in a team to vote for Most voters elect MPs whom they can identify with and are better able to represent their interests It would be much easier for voters to identify with a single candidate than with a team of say four individuals 54 Also since there will be key vote pullers in every GRC the unknown or unpopular candidate is dragged into Parliament on the coat tails of the major vote puller 55 This alienates the electorate from its representatives thereby undermining the idea of representation Since the people cannot clearly identify themselves with the candidates responsibility for choices cannot be ascribed to the people 56 In addition it has been suggested that the GRC scheme merely provides an appearance of a united multiracial Parliament In fact minority representatives are required to vote according to their party line they are not allowed to vote specifically in the interests of their racial groups The multiracial element in Parliament has been artificially imposed by way of a racial quota to ensure that the minorities are represented 57 Non constituency Members of Parliament edit Main article Non constituency Member of Parliament The NCMP Scheme was introduced in 1984 to ensure the presence of Opposition Members in Parliament 58 59 The NCMP Scheme serves to ensure that the voices of the minority are still heard 60 Thus to qualify as an NCMP the candidate must have won at least 15 of the total number of votes 61 The powers of an NCMP are restricted in Art 39 2 of the Constitution an NCMP cannot vote on a bill to amend the Constitution a supply supplementary supply or final supply bill a money bill a vote of no confidence in the Government or a motion for removing the President from office 62 Despite the aim of the NCMP scheme to ameliorate the impacts of the first past the post system its legitimacy is highly doubted It is based neither on a clear electoral mandate like ordinary MPs nor on expertise or specialisation as in the case of NMPs As a result the privileges of NCMPs are severely curtailed and this limits their effectiveness as alternative voices in Parliament 60 Further critics question the exact purpose of the scheme It is unclear as to whether NCMPs serve to represent the minority in the first past the post system or is an apparent representation that would not affect PAP s decision making Nevertheless it still seems to be a mechanism for representation of the minority opposition 63 Nominated Members of Parliament edit Main article Nominated Member of Parliament nbsp Author and law professor Simon Tay served as a NMP from 1997 to 2001The NMP scheme was introduced in 1990 and serves to introduce into Parliament alternative independent and non partisan views from minorities and experts This is said to effectively raises the level of political discourse 64 Women for example who are usually under represented in parliament may be appointed as an NMP to provide alternate views 65 A special select committee of Parliament nominates candidates to be appointed as NMPs by the President on the advice of the Cabinet In 2010 the number of NMPs was increased from six to nine 66 NMPs share the same powers and privileges as NCMPs 67 The NMP scheme was not introduced without controversy which may lead one to question the effectiveness of the scheme in strengthening representative democracy Despite the protests of many PAP MPs the party whip was enforced to effect the passing of this scheme Criticism of the scheme mainly revolved around the dilution of the democratic legitimacy of the Parliament since the electorate has no say in choosing the NMP based on his or her merits 68 Further there may be doubts as to the NMP s commitment and willingness to serve as an MP since the NMP bypasses the electoral process 69 The scheme has also given rise to allegations that it serves as another platform for the PAP to undercut support for the opposition 70 On the other hand NMP Paulin Tay Straughan has argued that NMPs being non partisan do not replace either PAP or opposition MPs During general elections Singaporeans still continue to elect MPs who best represent their interests and NMPs do not feature in the equation In other words the NMP scheme has never compromised the democratic process of free elections 64 By elections edit A by election is an election held in between general elections to fill a vacant parliamentary seat Article 49 of the Constitution states that a vacancy not due to a dissolution of Parliament shall be filled by election in the manner provided by or under any law relating to the Parliamentary elections However when a vacancy arises in a GRC no election needs to be held unless all the MPs have vacated their seats 71 The Prime Minister has full discretion with regards to the timing of the by election and he is not obliged to call a by election within any fixed timeline 72 Whether a time frame should be imposed for the calling of by elections has been subject to much debate Several arguments have been advanced by the Government First when a voter casts a vote for a candidate he is also voting for the political party that the candidate is a member of Thus once the party has received the voter s mandate a vacant seat will not affect this mandate Requiring the other members in a GRC to vacate their seats so that a by election can be called would be unfair to them Secondly the Government believes that a GRC can function if it is lacking a member as MPs from other constituencies can help to address the needs of residents in that GRC 5 However Thio Li ann believes that it is undesirable that the law does not impose a time frame for the calling of by elections If a by election is not called promptly upon a parliamentary seat falling vacant the electors in the GRC in question will be represented to a lesser extent This is particularly pertinent where more than one MP vacates his or her seat or when the seat vacated is that of a minority candidate Should the latter situation arise the rationale behind the GRC scheme to guarantee minority representation in Parliament would be defeated 4 In an SMC only one candidate is elected to represent the constituency in question Thus if an SMC parliamentary seat is vacated and the Prime Minister exercises discretion not to call a by election in the SMC the constituency s residents will not only lack a representative in Parliament but will also be without a Town Council chairman 4 Finally where an MP of the ruling party vacates his or her seat a counterpart in a neighbouring ward may take over his or her functions thus eliminating the need for a by election However this arrangement may not work if an opposition MP vacates his or her seat and no by election is called because of the dearth of opposition MPs in Parliament Therefore the voters in the opposition ward will be denied of representation until the next general election 4 Elected President edit Main articles President of Singapore and Presidential elections in Singapore Singapore s Elected Presidency scheme was created as a constitutional safeguard for the nation s future to prevent irresponsible governance Being directly elected by the people gives the President legitimacy and moral authority to serve as a check on the executive s powers The President s two main responsibilities are the protection of Singapore s past reserves and the preservation of the integrity of the public service 73 However the President s role is custodial and ceremonial he does not exercise executive powers In fact the President is generally required to act in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet or of a Minister acting under the general authority of the Cabinet in the exercise of his functions under the Constitution or any other written law unless the contrary is expressly provided for 74 Stringent eligibility requirements and the Presidential Elections Committee s role edit Thio Li ann has said that the democratic character of the process for electing the President may be hampered by the application of stringent elitist criteria such that it becomes a clear obstacle to the unmediated expression of the citizens preferences 75 Imposing more stringent criteria for the President than for the Prime Minister appears unreasonable considering how the Prime Minister s governing powers are far more substantial than that of the President 76 Among other things candidates have to be above 45 years of age and must either presently hold or in the past have held high public office or directorships in private sector companies with paid up capitals of at least S 100 million 77 It has been estimated that only just over 400 people have the necessary financial or administrative experience to qualify as spelt out in the constitution 78 These onerous qualifying criteria have greatly reduced the pool of candidates and have been criticised as technocratic rather than democratic 76 nbsp Campaign poster of Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam who won the presidential elections in 2011In response to the criticisms Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong argued that the qualification process is necessary and was carefully designed to ensure that the electorate is presented with qualified candidates 79 The Prime Minister asserted it would be reckless 80 to adopt less stringent criteria though such criteria can be refined further over time 81 Potential presidential candidates are vetted by an unelected three member Presidential Elections Committee PEC The PEC is not constitutionally obliged to give reasons behind its decisions to award or deny a certificate of eligibility Its decision is not subject to legal or political scrutiny and its verdict is final There has been criticism of how Andrew Kuan who applied to be a candidate in the 2005 presidential election was denied a certificate of eligibility Before the PEC could reach a decision on the matter he was reportedly discredited though statements from various people which were published in the media that alleged incompetence and cast doubt on his character Subsequently Kuan was denied a certificate the PEC stating that his seniority and responsibility as the Jurong Town Corporation s Group Chief Financial Officer were not comparable to the experience of a chairman or chief executive officer of a statutory board or a company with a paid up capital of at least 100 million as required by the Constitution There is no legal requirement for the PEC to interview prospective candidates and it did not do so to allow Kuan to explain his side of the story As a result the unopposed incumbent S R Nathan was declared the President for a second term 82 Possible reforms might be for prospective candidates to have the right to publicly respond to negative accusations before the PEC and for the PEC to be more transparent with regard to the reasons for their decisions concerning the eligibility of candidates A more democratised process open to public scrutiny would give citizens a role to play thus enhancing the notion of representative democracy 83 Uncontested elections edit After Ong Teng Cheong the first Elected President had stepped down the subsequent presidential elections in 1999 and 2005 were uncontested and S R Nathan was deemed to have been elected unopposed for two consecutive terms Thio has commented 84 The right to vote in competitive elections is integral to a functioning democracy and its underlying principles of representation participation and legitimacy Unfortunately the phenomenon of election by default a regular feature of Singapore s parliamentary and presidential elections only harms the practice of democracy She has suggested that to ensure that the institution of the Elected President continues to be legitimate even if there is only one candidate in an election a vote should be held and the candidate only declared elected if he or she receives at least a specified percentage of votes 84 Prime Minister and the Cabinet edit nbsp Lee Hsien Loong the Prime Minister of Singapore since 2004Singapore s Prime Minister is the Head of the Government of Singapore The President appoints as Prime Minister an MP who in his or her judgement is likely to command the confidence of a majority of the MPs 85 This is a power that the President exercises in his or her personal discretion 86 The President then acts in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister to appoint other Ministers from among the Members of Parliament These Ministers together with the Prime Minister form the Cabinet 85 The Cabinet has the general direction and control of the Government and is collectively responsible to Parliament 87 This scheme can be seen as a mechanism for representation First MPs are chosen by the electorate to represent their concerns and needs in Parliament Secondly the Prime Minister who is vested with the confidence of majority of the MPs and the Cabinet which is made up of popularly elected MPs effectively represent the views of the electorate as he heads the Government The structure of the executive is therefore based on the concept of political representation Role of the judiciary editAppointment and independence of judges edit Main article Judicial independence in Singapore Article 93 of the Constitution vests judicial power in the judiciary Rather than being elected the Chief Justice Judges of Appeal and the judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President if he acting in his discretion concurs with the advice of the Prime Minister 88 In the Subordinate Courts district judges and magistrates are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Chief Justice 89 The idea of the rule of the majority means that people should only be governed by laws passed by their elected representatives Thus unelected judges influencing the laws that govern people through the making of decisions seems incompatible with the idea of representative democracy 90 It has also been said that a judicial last word would put the judiciary at odds with Parliament as the judiciary is not directly accountable to the people However even though the appointment of judges is counter majoritarian in nature this does not mean that the concept of representative democracy is undermined as it appears that a counter majoritarian judiciary more effectively upholds the Constitution and the concept of representative democracy 91 nbsp The Supreme Court Building houses the High Court and the Court of Appeal The liberal use of glass in its architecture and the open layout of the building are said to signify the ideal of transparency in the law an important function of the courts in a representative democracy while the disc shaped structure represents the impartiality of justice 92 Because of this vital responsibility that the judiciary has it is important that the judiciary is independent of the political branches of government As Alexander Hamilton put it The complete independence of the courts of justice is peculiarly essential in a limited constitution 93 Singapore s judiciary however has been criticised as lacking independence and impartiality 94 According to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers the criticisms involving judicial bias could have stemmed from the very high number of cases won by the government or members of the ruling party in either contempt or defamation suits brought against government critics whether media or individual 95 The Government is alleged to have used the judiciary as a tool to deluge their political opponents like J B Jeyaretnam Tang Liang Hong and Dr Chee Soon Juan 96 with litigation in some cases causing bankruptcy and eventually removal from the political scene 97 In a 2008 report the International Bar Association Human Rights Institute IBAHRI claimed that the slim likelihood of a successful defence to defamation combined with high damages awarded in cases involving PAP officials sheds doubt on the independence of the judiciary in these cases 98 Allegations of this nature have previously been denied in parliamentary debates 99 and the Ministry of Law has said the IBAHRI s allegation that there are reasons to worry about the executive s influence over judicial decision making is not supported by evidence 100 In 2000 Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew noted that o ur judiciary and the rule of law are rated by WEF World Economic Forum IMD International Institute for Management Development and PERC Political and Economic Risk Consultancy as the best in Asia 101 Upholding the Constitution edit The Constitution embodies the idea of representative democracy as it provides for alternative voices and minority representation in Parliament through the GRC NCMP and NMP schemes The Chief Justice of Canada Beverley McLachlin has commented that democracy itself is a lot more complicated than elected persons making law Democracy not only requires majority rule but rule that protects individuals and groups of individuals whilst promoting fairness 102 As Martin Taylor puts it 103 As our understanding of the nature of modern democratic government improves it becomes increasingly apparent that majority rule while an essential ingredient of the system can operate in ways which are as undemocratic as the rule of the minority that democracy has to do not only with who exercises the power of the state by and for the people but also with the manner in which the state treats those who seek its assistance or are obliged to submit to its authority and with what the state allows people to decide and do of by and for themselves Majority rule must be subject to limits as an elected government may still pass or be tempted to pass unconstitutional and undemocratic laws such as laws affecting fundamental liberties guaranteed by constitutions 104 The Singapore Constitution provides safeguards against such behaviour by the majority and prescribes limits to their powers in the form of among other things the fundamental liberties in Part IV of the document The courts have asserted that the judiciary thus has the power and duty to ensure the observance of constitutional provisions and is also responsible for declaring invalid any exercise of legislative power exceeding the limits conferred by the Constitution or contravening any prohibition that the Constitution provides 105 Supreme Court judges take an oath to defend and protect the Constitution before assuming office 106 This is done through judicial review where the judiciary prevents the Parliament from enforcing unconstitutional laws by striking down such laws Thus the judiciary essentially upholds the idea of representative democracy that the Constitution embodies when playing its counter majoritarian role of serving as a check on Parliament and a Protector of the Individual 107 Purposive interpretation of statutes edit A key idea of democracy is that people may consent to be governed by laws made by democratically elected representatives 104 Judges are required to interpret statutes in a manner that gives effect to the intent and will of Parliament 108 By interpreting statutes according to Parliament s intention the judiciary upholds the notion of representative democracy as it makes sure that the people are ruled accurately by the laws made by their elected leaders Thus the role of judges in interpretation is essential to democracy 109 Judges are required to interpret laws in the light of section 9A 1 of the Interpretation Act 110 which requires an interpretation that would promote the purpose or object underlying written law is to be preferred over an interpretation that would not thus mandating a purposive interpretation The Interpretation Act provides for the types of extrinsic materials and the circumstances under which such extrinsic materials can be referred to to aid judges in determining the purpose of the statute 111 Thus when determining the purpose of a statutory provision a judge can refer to relevant extrinsic materials such as the explanatory statement relating to the bill in which the provision appears and the speech made in Parliament by a minister moving a motion for the second reading of the bill when circumstances call for it 112 The view has been taken that judges may assign meaning to vague constitutional provisions or statutes on the basis of their own ideological preferences hence disregarding Parliament s intention 113 This criticism arguably does not suggest the need to abandon interpretation by reference to the legislature s intention but serves to highlight the importance of the need to use the power of interpretation in an appropriate manner 114 Freedom of speech and expression editDemocracy essentially means rule of the people To build a democratic society and rule there must be citizen participation by an informed electorate The freedom to speak and express is thus crucial for the formation of public opinion on political questions and is indispensable to the discovery and spread of political truth 115 In Singapore the right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed to citizens by Article 14 1 a of the Constitution though it is subject to many qualifications Parliament may by law impose restrictions on the right as it considers necessary or expedient in the interest of the security of Singapore friendly relations with other countries public order or morality and restrictions designed to protect the privileges of Parliament or to provide against contempt of court defamation or incitement to any offence 116 Role in a representative democracy edit Upholding the concept of representative democracy requires the protection of freedom of expression This paves the way for discussion of the state of affairs in the country as expressed by representatives of the people which include members of the ruling party elected into government as well as opposition politicians Free discourse about political ideas and government plans can facilitate the acknowledgement of current weaknesses or limitations This is justified in the name of public interest as the legislature administration and governmental institutions will then strive to make improvements 115 Restricting speech inevitably prevents ascertainment and publication of true facts and accurate judgements it entails an unwarranted assumption of infallibility on the part of the government 117 As argued by John Stuart Mill and analysed by Eric Barendt allowing freedom of speech ensures that the government s policies are right and appropriate to legislate even the possibility of false speech should not prevent genuine expression of true beliefs Nevertheless since inflammatory speech that may provoke disorder must be prevented a government should be entitled to prioritise public order considerations over permitting individuals to express their personal opinions Balancing the risk of damage and disorder against long term benefits of uninhibited debate is imperative 115 Government s position edit As society matures the Singapore Government has taken greater cognisance of educated and informed Singaporeans who place greater value on their rights of expression and call for a less restrictive culture In 2004 Lee Hsien Loong then Deputy Prime Minister expressed how the Government would be increasingly guided by the consensus of views in the community with regards to morality and decency issues in a bid to pull back from being all things to all citizens However he emphasised the caveat of opening up more choices for citizens without imposing on the whole of society Civic participation may be engaged through debates on policies and national issues but criticism which scores political points and undermines the government s standing whether or not this is intended will not be treated lightly When the opposition criticises an action or policy the Government necessarily has to rebut or even demolish them so not to lose its moral authority 118 In a parliamentary speech on 28 February 2008 Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng said that the Government had adjusted its policies in relation to various types of expression For instance in 2000 it had created Speakers Corner as an outdoor venue for political speeches Use of this venue was liberalised in 2004 to include performances and exhibitions All public talks held indoors involving organisers and speakers who are Singapore citizens are also exempted from the licensing requirements of the Public Entertainments and Meetings Act 119 However freedom of speech and expression though characteristic and imperative in a self professed democracy is not unfettered The Government thus continues to require licences for events where the speeches relate to race or religion and does not permit outdoor demonstrations to be held 120 Mechanisms for the exercise of free speech edit Freedom of speech and debate in Parliament edit The most direct way of upholding representative democracy is for elected MPs to highlight and address the concerns of the electorate during Parliament sessions Opposition MPs NCMPs and NMPs fulfil the important role of representing diverse views and enunciating various needs to the Parliament At the general election in May 2011 six opposition MPs from the Workers Party of Singapore were elected to Parliament 40 In section 5 of the Parliament Privileges Immunities and Powers Act 121 enacted pursuant to Article 63 of the Constitution the freedom of MPs to speak and express themselves in Parliament is provided for in the following terms There shall be freedom of speech and debate and proceedings in Parliament and such freedom of speech and debate and proceedings shall not be liable to be impeached or questioned in any court commission of inquiry committee of inquiry tribunal or any other place whatsoever out of Parliament 122 Parliamentary privilege protects contentious views expressed by MPs in the course of parliamentary proceedings in the interest of their constituents or the general public and thus effectively buoys the right of free speech and expression Members can speak freely and express themselves frankly in Parliament without fearing legal consequences because they are immune from any civil or criminal proceedings arrest imprisonment or damages for what they have said 123 Speakers Corner edit nbsp A sign at Hong Lim Park indicating that it is the venue of Speakers CornerMain article Speakers Corner Singapore Speakers Corner at Hong Lim Park which was introduced on 1 September 2000 124 is a platform for the expression of views in an open air venue and was intended to liberalise our society to widen the space for expression and participation as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated in his National Day Rally speech in 2008 125 Most assemblies demonstrations exhibitions and speeches organised by Singapore citizens and participated in by only citizens and permanent residents may be held at Speakers Corner without the need for any permit under either the Public Entertainments and Meetings Act 119 or the Public Order Act 126 127 All that is required is prior registration with the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation before engaging in an event at the venue 128 However permits are required if the event concerns matters directly or indirectly relating to any religious belief or religion generally or which may cause feelings of enmity hatred ill will or hostility between different racial or religious groups in Singapore or involves the display of any banner film photograph placard or poster containing violent lewd or obscene material 129 The creation of Speakers Corner has been criticised as a governmental concession to free speech which remains fairly restrictive 130 The number of events staged at the venue has gone down over the years this has been attributed to the prevalence of more widespread effective and convenient communication channels such as television programmes and the Internet and its online fora In the words of Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong Speakers Corner has been playing the same role as envisaged mostly dormant but good to have 131 New media edit According to Tan Tarn How a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies and former journalist Singapore newspapers have a long record of publicly endorsing the PAP led government s position Thus passing through the mainstream media s filters news about opposition political parties can end up marginalised or unreported as compared to updates from the ruling party 132 Should the media avoid reporting opposition related events voters are effectively deprived of making an informed choice In Castells v Spain 1992 133 the European Court of Human Rights said 134 Freedom of the press affords the public one of the best means of discovering and forming an opinion of the ideas and attitudes of their political leaders In particular it gives politicians the opportunity to reflect and comment on the preoccupations of public opinion it thus enables everyone to participate in the free political debate which is at the very core of the concept of a democratic society With the advent of new media pro PAP views in mainstream media are countered by websites expressing the views of Internet users which have been omitted from newspapers and television thus providing additional platforms for expression which are vital in inculcating a more open and democratic society 135 Moves by politicians to embrace public opinion on unofficial and informal new media platforms also illustrate how freedom of speech and expression is upheld and in fact increasingly encouraged and taken into account in Singapore s system of representative democracy More politicians have been engaging citizens through the Internet through social networking websites and online fora Former Foreign Minister George Yeo has been actively communicating with netizens on the ubiquitous social networking website Facebook and has amassed many friends who are interested in local political affairs His willing and frank engagement was evident in the run up to Singapore s 2011 presidential election as he had initially contemplated contesting for the Elected Presidency after losing his parliamentary seat in the 2011 general elections though he subsequently decided not to 136 Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong engaged in a web chat with netizens on the People s Action Party s Facebook page in May 2011 to answer questions and assuage their concerns 137 Restrictions on free speech edit Article 14 2 a of the Constitution recognises that certain restrictions on speech and expression are necessary in the public interest It states that Parliament may by law impose restrictions on the right to freedom of speech and expression as it considers necessary or expedient in the interest of the security of Singapore or any part thereof friendly relations with other countries public order or morality and restrictions designed to protect the privileges of Parliament or to provide against contempt of court defamation or incitement to any offence However potentially severe restrictions on free speech some of which are elaborated upon below may act as a disincentive to people expressing political views These restrictions inevitably have a bearing on how representative democracy is upheld and have also been said to impact the content of free speech as opposition parties are tempered by the fear of defamation suits 138 Defamation law edit The frequency of defamation suits brought by Government ministers and PAP MPs against critics in particular political opponents has been a cause for concern for organisations such as the International Bar Association and the United States Department of State 139 Amnesty International has referred to the use of civil defamation suits as a strategy by the government to inhibit the public activities of opposition politicians 140 This is due to how high awards of damages often cripple opposition politicians financially causing them to become bankrupt and thus lose their parliamentary seats or become ineligible to run for elections 141 The resulting perception is that Singapore s leadership has a long standing reputation for using defamation actions as a mechanism for removing opposition members from the Singapore Parliament or for inhibiting opposing political views 142 The Government has denied these claims citing the lack of substantiating evidence 139 Noting that many opposition politicians routinely criticise government leaders but are not sued because they have not uttered slanderous falsehoods it insists that free speech and the right to disagree are upheld the effects of which are characteristic of a representative democracy 143 The Government has also pointed out that Singapore s legal system has won excellent ratings in international surveys 144 Lee Kuan Yew has also defended the system asserting that doing things the Government s way has allowed Singapore to be prosperous orderly and corruption free whilst gaining international respect and that the threat of defamation proceedings may make opposition politicians weigh their words more carefully than they do elsewhere 145 Public Entertainments and Meetings Act and Public Order Act edit Since free speech may be exercised during assemblies and gatherings Article 14 1 b of the Constitution which guarantees freedom of assembly is relevant Prior to October 2009 the Public Entertainments and Meetings Act PEMA 119 required a licence to be obtained from the Public Entertainments Licensing Unit PELU of the Singapore Police Force before talks discussions or similar events open to the public were held Holding an event without a licence would result in a fine or imprisonment 146 Members of opposition parties claimed that PELU acted inconsistently in issuing licences and that they had been denied licences without reason The Workers Party was fined 800 after a dinner event in 1986 at which the Party s Secretary General J B Jeyaretnam had given a speech PELU decreed that since the publicly delivered speech had been unrelated to the festivities a separate licence from the dinner itself was needed In addition the Act exempted public entertainments provided by or under the auspices of the Government thus allowing MPs from the ruling PAP to speak without a licence in their capacity as grassroots advisers 147 148 With effect from 9 October 2009 PEMA was amended to exclude any lecture talk address debate or discussion in any place to which the public or any class of the public has access whether gratuitously or otherwise from the definition of public entertainment 149 with the consequence that a licence is no longer required under this Act for such events Under the Public Order Act 126 which introduced this change a permit must generally be obtained from the Commissioner of Police before any public assembly is held 150 However no permit is required for public assemblies held inside buildings or other enclosed premises where the organisers and speakers are all Singapore citizens the event does not deal with any matter which relates directly or indirectly to any religious belief or religion or any matter which may cause feelings of enmity hatred ill will or hostility between different racial or religious groups in Singapore and the organiser or an authorised agent of the organiser is present at all times 151 Media regulation edit Both media ownership and content are carefully regulated by the Government Given how government linked companies appear to exercise a near monopoly over the mainstream media in Singapore the view has been taken that the mainstream media take a predominantly pro PAP stance in their reporting and suppress or disregard the viewpoints of opposition parties 152 The Government has justified this approach by stressing that the media should play a constructive role in nation building by adopting and presenting a national perspective on issues 118 In other words the media should support the goals of the elected leadership and extol consensus instead of contention to enhance national strength and competitiveness and thus assiduously eschew advancing its own political agenda at the expense of straightforward truth 153 Broadcasting and films edit Under the Broadcasting Class Licence Notification 154 issued under section 9 of the Broadcasting Act 155 all Internet content providers such as bloggers are automatically considered to be licensed and must comply with the conditions of the class licence and the Internet Code of Practice 156 issued by the Media Development Authority MDA In particular it is mandatory for an Internet content provider to register with the MDA if it is or if the Authority thinks that it is an individual providing any programme about or a body of persons engaged in the propagation promotion or discussion of political or religious issues relating to Singapore on the World Wide Web through the Internet 157 The MDA can fine a licensee or suspend or cancel its licence if it has breached the terms of its licence any relevant code of practice issued by the Authority any provisions of the Broadcasting Act or any direction issued by the Authority or the Minister for Communications and Information 158 In addition it is an offence to provide a broadcasting service without a licence 159 and a convicted person is liable to a fine of up to 200 000 jail of up to three years or both If the offence continues after conviction a further fine of up to 10 000 per day may be imposed 160 The Minister may declare that any foreign broadcasting service which is rebroadcast in Singapore has been engaging in the domestic politics of Singapore 161 Rebroadcasting such a declared foreign broadcasting service is prohibited without the Minister s approval which can be refused revoked without reasons or granted on conditions which may include restrictions on the number of people permitted to receive the service and suspensions of the service for certain periods 162 Failing to comply with the above rules is a crime punishable by a fine of up to 100 000 163 It is an offence under section 33 of the Films Act 164 to distribute import make reproduce or exhibit or possess for exhibition any party political film 165 A party political film is one that is an advertisement made by or on behalf of any political party in Singapore or any body whose objects relate wholly or mainly to politics in Singapore or any branch of such party or body or a film that is directed towards any political end in Singapore 166 The latter phrase is defined in the Act as follows 167 A film is directed towards a political end in Singapore if the film a contains wholly or partly any matter which in the opinion of the Board of Film Censors is intended or likely to affect voting in any election or national referendum in Singapore or b contains wholly or partly references to or comments on any political matter which in the opinion of the Board are either partisan or biased and political matter includes but is not limited to any of the following i an election or a national referendum in Singapore ii a candidate or group of candidates in an election iii an issue submitted or otherwise before electors in an election or a national referendum in Singapore iv the Government or a previous Government or the opposition to the Government or previous Government v a Member of Parliament vi a current policy of the Government or an issue of public controversy in Singapore or vii a political party in Singapore or any body whose objects relate wholly or mainly to politics in Singapore or any branch of such party or body dd However the following types of films are not considered to be party political films 168 a a film which is made solely for the purpose of reporting of news by a broadcasting service licensed under any written law b a film which is made solely for the purpose of informing or educating persons on the procedures and polling times for any election or national referendum in Singapore c a film which records live the whole or a material proportion of any performance assembly of persons or procession that is held in accordance with the law and that does not depict any event person or situation in a dramatic way d a film designed to provide a record of an event or occasion that is held in accordance with the law for those who took part in the event or occasion or are connected with those who did so e a documentary film without any animation and composed wholly of an accurate account depicting actual events persons deceased or otherwise or situations but not a film i wholly or substantially based on unscripted or reality type programmes or ii that depicts those events persons or situations in a dramatic way f a film without animation and dramatic elements i composed wholly of a political party s manifesto or declaration of policies or ideology on the basis of which candidates authorised by the political party to stand will seek to be elected at a parliamentary election and ii made by or on behalf of that political party and g a film without animation and dramatic elements i composed wholly of a candidate s declaration of policies or ideology on the basis of which the candidate will seek to be elected at a parliamentary or presidential election and ii made by or on behalf of that candidate Newspapers edit nbsp The logo of The Wall Street Journal Asia In 1987 when it was known as The Asian Wall Street Journal its circulation was restricted by the Government for engaging in the domestic politics of Singapore The Newspaper and Printing Presses Act NPPA 169 generally imposes curbs on the foreign ownership of newspaper companies 170 and requires a permit to be obtained for the publication sale and distribution of newspapers 171 It also enables the Minister for Communications and Information to restrict the circulation of any foreign newspaper that has been declared to be engaging in the domestic politics of Singapore 172 In February 1987 such a declaration was made against The Asian Wall Street Journal and its circulation was limited to 400 copies 173 The newspaper s publisher Dow Jones Publishing Co Asia Inc unsuccessfully challenged the decision before the High Court and the Court of Appeal The Court of Appeal interpreted the term domestic politics broadly holding that in Singapore s context it included 174 the political system of Singapore and the political ideology underpinning it the public institutions that are a manifestation of the system and the policies of the government of the day that give life to the political system In other words the domestic politics of Singapore relate to the multitude of issues concerning how Singapore should be governed in the interest and for the welfare of its people In a September 2011 statement the Ministry of Information Communications and the Arts justified the NPPA s existence stating The various safeguards provided for in the NPPA help to ensure that the media operating in Singapore play a responsible role and that publishers are accountable for the content they publish The safeguards also prevent local newspapers from being manipulated by foreign interests which can have a divisive effect on social cohesion These considerations are still valid today Journalistic freedom to report responsibly has not been compromised 175 Publications edit Under the Internal Security Act 176 the Minister for Communications and Information is empowered to prohibit the printing publication sale issue circulation or possession of any document or publication on the ground among others that it is prejudicial to the national interest public order or security of Singapore 177 Doing any of the above acts in relation to a banned publication is a criminal offence 178 Among the publications that have been interdicted under this Act are works by Vladimir Lenin and Mao Zedong and the Russian political newspaper Pravda 179 A similar power to prohibit the importation sale or circulation of publications that are considered to be contrary to the public interest exists under the Undesirable Publications Act 180 Election advertising edit Advertising on the Internet was liberalised by the Government in time for the 2011 general elections 181 Two forms of political advertising on the Internet are permitted during parliamentary elections First during the election period that is the period between the day the writ of election is issued and the start of polling day 182 political parties candidates or election agents may use the Internet to further candidates campaigns including using websites chat rooms or discussion forums video and photograph sharing or hosting websites e mail micro blog posts such as Twitter SMS and MMS messages digital audio and video files electronic media applications 183 and blogs and social networking services such as Facebook 184 Election advertising sent by e mail micro blog post SMS or MMS must contain a functioning e mail address or mobile phone number to enable recipients to indicate that they do not wish to receive further messages from the sender 185 However the Internet may not be used to publish the following 186 Election surveys defined as opinion surveys of how electors will vote at an election or of the preferences of electors concerning any candidate or group of candidates or any political party or issue with which an identifiable candidate or group of candidates is associated at an election 187 Appeals for money or other property in association with a representation that it will be applied for the objects or activities of any political party or for the promotion of any candidate or group of candidates Any facility enabling members of the public to search for unlawful election advertising Party political films not permitted by the Films Act 164 Secondly when candidates wish to publish election advertising on the Internet during the campaign period that is the period from the closure of the place of nomination on nomination day after the election is adjourned to enable a poll to be taken to the start of the eve of polling day 188 they must provide to the returning officer within 12 hours after the start of the period declarations containing information on all the online platforms the advertising has appeared on in that time Subsequently a similar declaration must be provided before election advertising is published on such platforms 189 Individuals who are Singapore citizens may publish on the Internet material that amounts to election advertising without having to comply with the above regulations so long as they do so personally and not at the direction of another person or on that person s behalf and do not receive any benefit for doing so 190 During presidential elections candidates may advertise on the Internet except on the eve of polling day and polling day itself However on those days it remains legal for people to convey their own political views on a non commercial basis to others by telephonic or electronic transmission and election advertising may remain unaltered on the Internet if it was lawfully published before the eve of polling day 191 Other controversies relating to representative democracy editOver the years the Government has been accused of slowing down the progress of democracy by using the Internal Security Act to detain political opponents and suppress political criticism and dissent by organisations such as the Asian Legal Resource Centre and Human Rights Watch 192 A similar allegation was made by presidential election candidate Tan Jee Say in 2011 193 Conversely the Government has repeatedly asserted that n o person has ever been detained only for their political beliefs 194 195 Notes edit Map of Freedom in the World Singapore 2019 Freedom House Retrieved 3 May 2021 Lange v Australian Broadcasting Corporation 1997 HCA 25 1997 189 C L R 520 at 560 High Court Australia citing among others Anthony Harold Birch 1964 Representative and Responsible Government An Essay on the British Constitution Toronto University of Toronto Press p 17 OCLC 1149264 a b Parliamentary Elections Act Cap 218 2011 Rev Ed PEA a b c d Thio Li ann NMP Parliamentary Elections Motion Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 27 August 2008 vol 84 cols 3328 3409 a b c d Lee Hsien Loong Prime Minister Parliamentary Elections Motion Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 27 August 2008 vol 84 cols 3328 3409 G eoffrey W ilson Bartholomew 1976 The Singapore Legal System in Riaz Hassan ed Singapore Society in Transition Kuala Lumpur New York N Y Oxford University Press p 84 ISBN 978 0 19 580352 5 UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill to Governor of the Straits Settlements Laurence Guillemard C O 273 510 24 June 1922 cited in Yeo Kim Wah 1973 Political Development in Singapore 1945 55 Singapore Singapore University Press p 55 OCLC 902704 Report of Select Committee Appointed to Consider whether Any and What Changes are Desirable in the Constitution of the Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements No 5 of 1921 Straits Settlements s l Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements 1921 OCLC 642502776 see Rupert Emerson 1964 Malaysia A Study in Direct and Indirect Rule Kuala Lumpur University of Malaya Press p 284 OCLC 599147 Kevin Y L Tan 1999 A Short Legal and Constitutional History of Singapore in Kevin Y L Tan ed The Singapore Legal System 2nd ed Singapore Singapore University Press pp 26 66 at 37 38 ISBN 978 981 210 349 9 Goh Kok Leong 1981 Legal History of the Japanese Occupation in Singapore Malayan Law Journal 1 xx By the Straits Settlements Repeal Act 1946 9 amp 10 Geo VI c 37 UK Order in Council dated 27 March 1946 Statutory Rules and Orders 1946 No 462 Report of the Committee for the Reconstitution of the Singapore Legislative Council reproduced in Appendix A of the Annual Report on Singapore for 1st April 31st December 1946 Singapore Colony of Singapore 1947 pp 17 25 OCLC 504451389 Singapore Colony Order in Council dated 24 February 1948 Statutory Instrument S I 1948 No 341 C onstance M ary Turnbull 1977 A History of Singapore 1819 1975 Kuala Lumpur New York N Y Oxford University Press p 56 ISBN 978 0 19 580354 9 See the letter from Governor Sir John Nicoll to Sir George Rendel reproduced in the annex to the Report of the Constitutional Commission Singapore Chairman George Rendel Singapore Printed by the Government Printer 1954 OCLC 63847297 Singapore Colony Order in Council S I 1955 No 187 Churchill to Guillemard C O 273 510 24 June 1922 cited in Yeo Political Development in Singapore p 62 By the State of Singapore Act 1958 6 amp 7 Eliz 2 c 59 UK Turnbull p 236 Independence of Singapore Agreement 1965 1985 Rev Ed Constitution of the Republic of Singapore Amendment Act 1984 No 16 of 1984 and Parliamentary Elections Amendment Act 1984 No 22 of 1984 Lee Kuan Yew Prime Minister speech during the Second Reading of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore Amendment Bill Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 24 July 1984 vol 44 col 1726 By the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore Amendment Act 1990 No 11 of 1990 See for instance Wee Kim Wee President President s Address Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 9 January 1989 vol 52 col 15 Thomas Paine 1824 Dissertation on First Principles of Government The Political Writings of Thomas Paine Secretary to the Committee of Foreign Affairs in the American Revolution To which is Prefixed a Brief Sketch of the Author s Life vol 2 Charlestown Mass George Davidson pp 325 344 at 334 also published in Thomas Paine 1859 Dissertation on First Principles of Government The Political Writings of Thomas Paine Secretary to the Committee of Foreign Affairs in the American Revolution To which is Prefixed a Brief Sketch of the Author s Life Boston Mass J P Mendum pp 335 336 OCLC 475803868 Paul C Weiler 1984 Rights and Judges in a Democracy University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform 18 1 51 92 at 65 Weiler p 67 Constitution of the Republic of Singapore 1985 Rev Ed 1999 Reprint K Shanmugam Minister for Law Head R Ministry of Law Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 13 February 2009 vol 85 col 3146ff Thio Li ann NMP Head R Ministry of Law Legal Status of the Right to Vote and Entrenchment Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 12 February 2009 vol 85 col 3111ff Report of the Constitutional Commission 1966 chairman Chief Justice Wee Chong Jin Singapore Government Printer 1966 OCLC 51640681 reproduced in Kevin Y L Tan Thio Li ann 1997 Constitutional Law in Malaysia and Singapore 2nd ed Singapore Butterworths Asia Appendix D ISBN 978 0 409 99908 2 Taw Cheng Kong v Public Prosecutor 1998 1 S L R R Singapore Law Reports Reissue 78 High Court Singapore Taw Cheng Kong p 102 para 56 Shanmugam Head R Ministry of Law Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 13 February 2009 cols 3158 and 3160 Shanmugam Head R Ministry of Law Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 13 February 2009 col 3165 Lua Ee Laine Sim Jek Sok Disa Koh Theng Jer Christopher 1996 Principles and Practices of Voting The Singapore Electoral System Singapore Law Review 17 244 321 at 310 William Wade 1980 Constitutional Fundamentals Stevens amp Sons p 10 ISBN 978 0 420 45910 7 Singapore s PAP returned to power Channel NewsAsia 7 May 2006 archived from the original on 29 June 2011 a b 81 6 Workers Party wins Aljunied GRC PAP vote share dips to 60 1 The Sunday Times pp 1 amp 4 8 May 2011 Low Chee Kong 8 May 2011 A new chapter and a time for healing PAP wins 81 out of 87 seats WP takes Hougang Aljunied Today Special ed pp 1 amp 4 archived from the original on 9 May 2011 The total number of votes cast was 2 156 389 made up of 2 118 540 valid votes and 37 849 rejected votes 1 76 of the total Statement of the Poll in a Presidential Election G N No 2465 2011 dated 31 August 2011 archived from the original on 2 September 2011 See also Li Xueying 28 August 2011 Tony Tan is president He wins by 7 269 votes after recount The Sunday Times pp 1 2 Loh Chee Kong 28 August 2011 Dr Tony Tan is Singapore s next President Former Deputy Prime Minister edges out Dr Tan Cheng Bock in an intensely fought contest Today on Sunday p 1 archived from the original on 28 August 2011 Andrea Ong 1 September 2011 Tony Tan gets almost 40 of overseas votes The Straits Times pp A1 amp A8 Tan Qiuyi 1 September 2011 Final vote tally for PE Today p 6 archived from the original on 22 September 2011 PEA s 43 1 Presidential Elections Act Cap 240A 2011 Rev Ed s 26 PEA s 6 Constitution Art 57 1 Subject to this Constitution all questions proposed for decision in Parliament shall be determined by a majority of the votes of the Members present and voting PEA s 5 PEA ss 5 1 and 2 The eligibility requirements for voting in parliamentary elections apply to presidential elections as well Presidential Elections Act s 21 Constitution Art 38 Constitution Art 39A Constitution Art 39 1 b Constitution Art 39 1 c Constitution Art 39A 2 a PEA ss 8A 1 a and b and 27A 4 See also Wan Wai Yee 1994 Recent Changes to the Westminster System of Government and Government Accountability Singapore Law Review 15 297 332 at 307 308 and Tsun Hang Tey December 2008 Singapore s Electoral System Government by the People Legal Studies 28 4 610 628 at 617 doi 10 1111 j 1748 121X 2008 00106 x S2CID 143965283 Goh Chok Tong First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence speech during the Second Reading of the Parliamentary Elections Amendment Bill Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 11 January 1988 vol 50 col 179 Lee Hsien Loong Prime Minister President s Address Debate on the Address Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 27 May 2009 vol 86 col 493ff Kevin Tan Yew Lee 1992 Constitutional Implications of the 1991 Singapore General Election Singapore Law Review 13 26 59 at 45 Tan p 49 Tan p 51 Tey pp 619 620 Wong Kan Seng Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Constitution of the Republic of Singapore Amendment Bill Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 26 April 2010 vol 87 col 53ff Constitution of the Republic of Singapore 1999 Reprint The Constitution Art 39 1 b a b Tey p 612 PEA s 52 3A a Constitution of the Republic of Singapore 1999 Reprint The Constitution Art 39 2 Tey p 616 a b Paulin Tay Straughan NMP speech during the Second Reading of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore Amendment Bill Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 26 April 2010 vol 87 cols 53ff Thio Li ann 1994 The Post colonial Constitutional Evolution of the Singapore Legislature A Case Study Singapore Journal of Legal Studies 80 122 at 99 SSRN 965257 By the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore Amendment Act 2010 2010 archiverurl No 9 of 2010 archived from the original on 7 April 2017 in force on 1 July 2010 Constitution Art 39 2 Tey p 621 Tey p 623 Sylvia Lim NMP Nominated Members of Parliament Motion Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 14 November 2006 vol 85 col 877ff PEA s 24 2A Vellama d o Marie Muthu v Attorney General 2012 SGHC 155 at para 115 High Court Singapore Li ann Thio 2007 S electing the President Diluting Democracy International Journal of Constitutional Law 5 3 526 543 at 528 doi 10 1093 icon mom017 Constitution Art 21 1 Thio S electing the President p 541 see also Lua Sim amp Koh p 282 a b Thio S electing the President p 542 Presidential Elections Act ss 19 2 a and g Lim Wui Liang 4 June 2005 Why so few takers for this job The Straits Times p 10 Lau Fook Kong 2 September 2005 Nathan Sworn in for 2nd Term The Straits Times p 1 cited in Thio S electing the President p 541 Reckless to lower criteria for presidential candidates The Straits Times p 3 20 September 2005 PM on the Elected Presidency The Straits Times p H10 2 September 2005 cited in Thio S electing the President p 541 Thio S electing the President pp 534 537 Thio S electing the President pp 530 and 540 a b Thio S electing the President p 543 a b Constitution Art 25 Constitution Art 21 2 Constitution Art 24 Constitution Art 95 Subordinate Courts Act Cap 321 2007 Rev Ed ss 9 and 10 Beverly McLachlin 2000 Judicial Power and Democracy PDF Singapore Academy of Law Journal 12 311 330 at 313 archived from the original PDF on 21 March 2015 Paul C Weiler pp 66 and 68 Kwek Mean Luck et al ed 2006 Hall of Justice Supreme Court Singapore Singapore Supreme Court of Singapore pp 118 119 122 and 125 ISBN 978 981 05 5356 2 Alexander Hamilton 1982 1961 The Federalist No 78 in Jacob E Cooke ed The Federalist Middletown Conn Wesleyan University Press pp 521 530 at 524 ISBN 978 0 819 53016 5 See for example International Bar Association Human Rights Institute July 2008 Prosperity versus Individual Rights Human Rights Democracy and the Rule of Law in Singapore London International Bar Association p 70 archived from the original on 11 July 2010 Singapore defamation case threatens press freedom Amnesty International 18 November 2009 archived from the original on 5 December 2010 Param Cumaraswamy 1 March 1996 Question of the Human Rights of All Persons Subjected to Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers Dato Param Cumaraswamy Submitted Pursuant to Commission on Human Rights Resolution 1995 36 E CN 4 1996 37 Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights archived from the original on 18 August 2010 para 218 See for example Jeyaretnam Joshua Benjamin v Lee Kuan Yew 1992 1 S L R R 791 Court of Appeal Singapore for commentary see Michael Hor December 1992 The Freedom of Speech and Defamation Jeyaretnam Joshua Benjamin v Lee Kuan Yew Singapore Journal of Legal Studies 542 556 SSRN 965143 Tang Liang Hong v Lee Kuan Yew 1997 ICHRL 111 1997 3 S L R R 576 C A Singapore Goh Chok Tong v Chee Soon Juan 2005 1 S L R R 573 H C Singapore and Joshua B Jeyaretnam Singapore opposition leader The Times London 1 October 2008 archived from the original on 24 May 2010 Goh Chok Tong v Jeyaretnam Joshua Benjamin 1997 3 S L R R Singapore Law Reports Reissue 46 at 61 para 29 High Court Singapore Allegations were made in this case that the plaintiff Goh Chok Tong then the Prime Minister and his political allies have made use of the machinery of the courts to overwhelm their political opponents with litigation and sought by such means to render their opponents financially bankrupt and thereby remove them from the political scene I make no comment on these allegations save to point out that the defendant opposition politician J B Jeyaretnam did not go so far as to suggest any complicity on the part of the judges in this alleged misuse To the contrary the defendant specifically informed the court that he has every confidence in the impartiality and fairness of the court Prosperity versus Individual Rights p 59 For instance Independence and Integrity of Singapore s Judiciary Motion Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 2 November 1995 vol 65 col 213 222 Independence and Integrity of Singapore s Judiciary Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 2 November 1995 vol 65 col 223 244 and Independence and Integrity of Singapore s Judiciary Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 3 November 1995 vol 65 col 249 308 Mark Jayaratnam 14 November 2008 Singapore s Response to the International Bar Association s Report on Singapore annexed to a letter reference no LAW 06 021 026 from Mark Jayaratnam Deputy Director Legal Policy Division Ministry of Law to the Chairman of the Human Rights Institute Council of the International Bar Association Ministry of Law archived from the original on 28 September 2012 see also Rosnah Ahmad 10 July 2008 Govt rebuts human rights accusations Today reproduced on AsiaViews archived from the original on 14 November 2012 retrieved 28 September 2011 Lee Kuan Yew 16 October 2000 For Third World Leaders Hope or Despair John F Kennedy Jr Forum Harvard Institute of Politics archived from the original on 7 March 2016 McLachlin pp 311 and 314 Martin Taylor 1996 Making and Changing the Common Law The Essential Democratic Function of the Courts unpublished paper p 31 cited in McLachlin pp 314 315 a b McLachlin p 314 Chan Hiang Leng Colin v Public Prosecutor 1994 ICHRL 26 1994 SGHC 207 1994 3 S L R R Singapore Law Reports Reissue 209 at 231 para 50 archived from the original on 26 October 2012 High Court Singapore citing Harry Gibbs 1988 The Court as Guardian of the Constitution The Basic Principle in Mohamed Salleh Abas Visu Sinnadurai eds Law Justice and the Judiciary Transnational Trends Kuala Lumpur Professional Law Book Publishers pp 51 66 ISBN 978 967995804 1 See also Mohammad Faizal bin Sabtu v Public Prosecutor 2012 SGHC 163 at para 14 H C Singapore Singapore s Westminster model is based on the supremacy of the Singapore Constitution with the result that the Singapore courts may declare an Act of the Singapore parliament invalid for inconsistency with the Singapore Constitution and hence null and void Constitution Art 97 1 read with the First Schedule oath of allegiance Zakir Hussain 28 October 2009 CJ on judicial independence and judicial review The Straits Times p 8 Tan Seow Hon 1995 The Constitution as Comforter An Assessment of the Safeguards in Singapore s Constitutional System Singapore Law Review 16 104 156 at 130 Constitutional Reference No 1 of 1995 1995 1 S L R R 803 at 814 para 44 Constitution of the Republic of Singapore Tribunal Singapore applied in Public Prosecutor v Heah Lian Khin 2000 2 S L R R 745 at 762 para 45 H C Singapore see also Tan Kiam Peng v Public Prosecutor 2007 SGCA 38 2008 1 S L R R 1 at 25 para 58 C A Singapore The sole task of this indeed every court is to give effect to the plain meaning of the statutory language before it in a manner that is not only consistent with the underlying policy of the Act but which wherever possible fulfils it McLachlin p 325 Interpretation Act Cap 1 2002 Rev Ed IA Goh Yihan March 2009 Statutory Interpretation in Singapore 15 Years on from Legislative Reform Singapore Academy of Law Journal 21 97 134 at 106 107 para 9 and p 110 para 12 IA ss 9A 2 and 3 Michael Mandel 1994 The Charter of Rights and the Legalization of Politics in Canada rev updated amp exp ed Toronto Thompson Educational ISBN 978 1 55077 050 6 cited by McLachlin p 324 n 44 McLachlin p 324 a b c Eric Barendt 1985 Freedom of Speech Oxford Clarendon Press pp 8 23 ISBN 978 0 19 825381 5 Constitution Art 14 2 John Stuart Mill 1864 On Liberty 3rd ed London Longman Green Longman Roberts amp Green p 34 OCLC 7070620 a b Lee Hsien Loong 6 January 2004 Building a Civic Society speech by the Deputy Prime Minister at the Harvard Club of Singapore 35th Anniversary Dinner 6 January 2004 PDF reproduced on the United Nations Public Administration Network website archived PDF from the original on 29 December 2010 An extract of the speech is reprinted in Kevin Y L Tan Thio Li ann 2010 Freedom of Speech Assembly and Association Constitutional Law in Malaysia and Singapore 3rd ed Singapore LexisNexis pp 971 1160 at 985 986 ISBN 978 981 236 795 2 a b c Public Entertainments and Meetings Act Cap 257 2001 Rev Ed PEMA Wong Kan Seng Deputy Prime Minister Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial Year 1st April 2008 to 31st March 2009 Paper Cmd 2 of 2008 Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 28 February 2008 vol 84 cols 1125ff Parliament Privileges Immunities and Powers Act Cap 217 2000 Rev Ed PPIP Act This provision is based on one of the rights stated in the English Bill of Rights 1689 1 Will amp Mary sess 2 c 2 UK which reads T he Freedome of Speech and Debates or Proceedings in Parlyament ought not to be impeached or questioned in any Court or Place out of Parlyament PPIP Act s 6 1 Leslie Koh 2 September 2000 Wide range of topics covered The Straits Times p 62 Lee Hsien Loong 17 August 2008 Transcript of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong s National Day Rally 2008 Speech at NUS UCC National 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yesterday which said In case the presidential election writ is issued while I m away some young friends will collect the eligibility forms for me It is a big decision which I hope to make two weeks from now after taking in views n advice from many people I ask for your patience n understanding Irene Tham 5 May 2011 Netizens bombard PM with questions on Facebook chat The Straits Times Gomez Restricting Free Speech p 107 a b You can cage the singer A writer tests the tolerance of Singapore s legal system The Economist 4 November 2010 archived from the original on 29 January 2011 Paul Bently Autumn 1997 The Politics of Defamation in Singapore The Provincial Judges Journal Reproduced on Singapore Window Canada archived from the original on 24 June 2011 Tey Tsun Hang 2008 Singapore s Jurisprudence of Political Defamation and its Triple Whammy Impact on Political Speech Public Law 452 462 Stuart Littlemore 1 October 1997 Report to the International Commission of Jurists Geneva Switzerland on 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imprisonment not exceeding two years Films Act s 33 Films Act s 2 1 definition of party political film Films Act s 2 2 Films Act s 2 3 Newspaper and Printing Presses Act Cap 206 2002 Rev Ed NPPA See generally George Cherian 2002 Singapore Media at the Mainstream and the Margins in Russell Hiang Khng Heng ed Media Fortunes Changing Times ASEAN States in Transition Singapore Institute of Southeast Asian Studies pp 173 200 ISBN 978 981 230 193 2 NPPA Pt III NPPA Pt IV NPPA ss 24 and 25 Dow Jones Publishing Co Asia Inc v Attorney General 1989 1 S L R R Singapore Law Reports Reissue 637 at 644 para 7 Court of Appeal Singapore Dow Jones p 661 para 42 MICA responds on the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act NPPA Ministry of Information Communications and the Arts 16 September 2011 archived from the original on 15 April 2012 Internal Security Act Cap 143 1985 Rev Ed ISA ISA s 20 1 d The other grounds are that the publication incites violence counsels disobedience to the law or any lawful order 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advertising among users in any format such as but not limited to digital banners RSS feed readers widgets mobile applications and other instant messaging software or programmes Election Advertising Regulations reg 4 1 Election Advertising Regulations regs 4 3 and 3A Election Advertising Regulations reg 4 4 PEA s 78C 4 The penalty for publishing the results of an election survey between the day the writ of election is issued and the close of all polling stations on polling day is a fine of up to 1 500 imprisonment of up to 12 months or both ss 78C 1 and 2 Election Advertising Regulations reg 2 Election Advertising Regulations reg 6 Parliamentary Elections Corrupt Practices Exempt Circumstances and Activities Order 2011 S 131 2011 dated 14 March 2011 archived from the original on 10 May 2011 made pursuant to the PEA s 61 6 e Presidential Elections Act ss 60A 2 c and d Asian Legal Resource Centre 31 January 2002 Civil and Political Rights Including the Questions of Freedom of Expression 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of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 1 January 1990 retrieved 29 November 2012 Tessa Wong 20 August 2011 Heated words over ISA at presidential forum Discussion leads to short outburst from Tan Jee Say AsiaOne Li Xueying Zakir Hussain 17 September 2011 Govt ISA still crucial for security in S pore Critics renew calls to scrap Act but MHA says threats remain The Straits Times George Cherian 13 August 2004 A mission larger than any one man The Straits Times References editLegislation edit Constitution of the Republic of Singapore 1985 Rev Ed 1999 Reprint Internal Security Act Cap 143 1985 Rev Ed ISA Parliamentary Elections Act Cap 218 2011 Rev Ed PEA Parliamentary Elections Election Advertising Regulations Cap 218 Rg 3 2011 Rev Ed archived from the original on 10 May 2011 Election Advertising Regulations Presidential Elections Act Cap 240A 2011 Rev Ed Public Entertainments and Meetings Act Cap 257 2001 Rev Ed PEMA Public Order Act Cap 257A 2012 Rev Ed POA Parliamentary debates edit Lee Hsien Loong Prime Minister Parliamentary Elections Motion Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 27 August 2008 vol 84 cols 3328 3409 Thio Li ann NMP Parliamentary Elections Motion Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 27 August 2008 vol 84 cols 3328 3409 K Shanmugam Minister for Law Head R Ministry of Law Singapore Parliamentary Debates Official Report 13 February 2009 vol 85 col 3146ff Other works edit Gomez James December 2005 Freedom of Expression and the Media in Singapore Part of a Series of Baseline Studies on Seven Southeast Asian Countries PDF London ARTICLE 19 ISBN 978 1 902598 82 6 archived from the original PDF on 20 January 2012 retrieved 27 November 2012 Gomez James 2006 Restricting Free Speech The Impact on Opposition Parties in Singapore The Copenhagen Journal of Asian Studies 23 1 105 131 doi 10 22439 cjas v23i1 694 archived from the original on 19 April 2018 retrieved 22 November 2012 Lua Ee Laine Sim Jek Sok Disa Koh Theng Jer Christopher 1996 Principles and Practices of Voting The Singapore Electoral System Singapore Law Review 17 244 321 McLachlin Beverly 2000 Judicial Power and Democracy PDF Singapore Academy of Law Journal 12 311 330 archived from the original PDF on 21 March 2015 Tey Tsun Hang December 2008 Singapore s Electoral System Government by the People Legal Studies 28 4 610 628 doi 10 1111 j 1748 121X 2008 00106 x S2CID 143965283 Thio Li ann 2007 S electing the President Diluting Democracy International Journal of Constitutional Law 5 3 526 543 doi 10 1093 icon mom017 Turnbull C onstance M ary 1977 A History of Singapore 1819 1975 Kuala Lumpur New York N Y Oxford University Press ISBN 978 0 19 580354 9 Weiler Paul C 1984 Rights and Judges in a Democracy University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform 18 1 51 92 Yeo Kim Wah 1973 Political Development in Singapore 1945 55 Singapore Singapore University Press OCLC 902704 Further reading editArticles edit Chan Cassandra 2003 2004 Breaking Singapore s Regrettable Tradition of Chilling Free Speech with Defamation Laws Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Review 26 315 339 archived from the original on 4 March 2016 Gomez James October 2005 International NGOs Filling the Civil Society Gap in Singapore Sojourn Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia 20 2 177 207 doi 10 1355 SJ20 2D S2CID 145462101 archived from the original on 14 February 2015 Kuttan Sharaad Lee Weng Choy eds 1993 Democracy Commentary 11 2 OCLC 32801295 Sim Cameron 2011 The Singapore Chill Political Defamation and the Normalization of a Statist Rule of Law PDF Pacific Rim Law and Policy Journal 20 2 319 353 archived PDF from the original on 24 April 2012 Tey Tsun Hang November 2008 Confining the Freedom of the Press in Singapore A Pragmatic Press for Nation Building Human Rights Quarterly 30 4 876 905 doi 10 1353 hrq 0 0034 S2CID 144347041 Thio Li ann 2003 Singapore Regulating Political Speech and the Commitment to Build a Democratic Society International Journal of Constitutional Law 1 3 516 524 doi 10 1093 icon 1 3 516 Thio Li ann 2008 The Virtual and the Real Article 14 Political Speech and the Calibrated Management of Deliberative Democracy in Singapore Singapore Journal of Legal Studies 25 57 SSRN 1265329 Books edit Bell Daniel 2000 East Meets West Human Rights and Democracy in East Asia Princeton N J Princeton University Press ISBN 978 0 691 00507 2 Chee Soon Juan 2012 Democratically Speaking Singapore Chee Soon Juan ISBN 978 981 07 2896 0 Chua Beng Huat 1995 Communitarian Ideology and Democracy in Singapore London New York N Y Routledge ISBN 978 0 415 12054 8 Paul E ric C harles 1992 Obstacles to Democratization in Singapore Centre of Southeast Asian Studies Monash University working papers 78 Clayton Vic Centre of Southeast Asian Studies Monash University ISBN 978 0 7326 0433 2 Rodan Garry 2004 Bedding Down Media and Information Control in Singapore and Malaysia Transparency and Authoritarian Rule in South East Asia Singapore and Malaysia London New York N Y RoutledgeCurzon pp 18 47 ISBN 978 0 415 37416 3 R K Vasil 2000 Governing Singapore Democracy and National Development St Leonards NSW Allen amp Unwin ISBN 978 1 86508 211 0 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Representative democracy in Singapore amp oldid 1171967282, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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